Dataset Information

Effects of a return to work program on the health and barriers to returning to work in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a return to work (RTW) program on perceived health status, barriers to returning to work, fear of cancer progression, social support, physical function, and psychosocial function in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with repeated measures was conducted. The 70 HNC patients were randomly assigned into two groups: 35 in the experimental group (RTW) and 35 in the control group (usual care). Patients were assessed at four time points: baseline (T0) (6 months after completing treatment), and then at 9-, 12-, and 15-months (T1, T2, and T3, respectively) after completing treatment. Patients completed a self-reported questionnaire, including measures of perceived health status, barriers to returning to work, fear of cancer progression, social support, physical function, and psychosocial function.

Results

Patients in the experimental group had significantly greater perceived health status and better psychosocial function compared to those in the control group. Compared to T0, at T4, participants in both groups had significantly lower levels of barriers to returning to work, fear of cancer progression, social support, and higher levels of physical function.

Conclusions

The RTW program effectively improved perceived health status and psychosocial function in HNC patients. Survivorship care should include a transitional return-to-work program to help patients transition back to work.

Trial registration

NCT04322695.

SUBMITTER: Chang YL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10696387 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Effects of a return to work program on the health and barriers to returning to work in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Chang Ya-Lan YL Huang Bing-Shen BS Lin Chien-Yu CY Chung Ching-Fang CF Chen Shu-Ching SC

Asia-Pacific journal of oncology nursing 20231017 12

<h4>Objective</h4>The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a return to work (RTW) program on perceived health status, barriers to returning to work, fear of cancer progression, social support, physical function, and psychosocial function in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.<h4>Methods</h4>A randomized controlled trial with repeated measures was conducted. The 70 HNC patients were randomly assigned into two groups: 35 in the experimental group (RTW) and 35 in the control group (usua ...[more]

PMID: 38059206

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Dataset Information

Effects of a return to work program on the health and barriers to returning to work in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Publications

Effects of a return to work program on the health and barriers to returning to work in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial.

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