Experiences of returning to work after brain tumor treatment

Abstract

In a health promotion perspective, several resources such as aspects of motivation, self-awareness, and opportunities for facilitation and empowerment need to be available in the process of RTW for individuals who have undergone treatment for brain cancer.

Return to work and cancer: Perspectives of occupational therapists

“…Return to work is challenging because cancer diagnosis and treatment affects all aspects of a person, including: strength; pain and energy levels; activity tolerance; concentration, problem solving, and memory capabilities; and motivation (Cheng et al, 2016;Jakobsen et al, 2018;Mehnert et al, 2017;van Muijen et al, 2014;Peoples et al, 2017;Zamanzadeh et al, 2018). People living with cancer often underestimate the impact of these on their work performance (Liaset & Kvam, 2018). The unexpected difficulty returning to work can contribute to psychological difficulties experienced by the person, such as anxiety and depression (Armaou et al, 2018;Player et al, 2014).…”

“…The support available within the workplace can hinder or facilitate return to work (Caron et al, 2018;Liaset & Kvam, 2018;van Muijen et al, 2014). Employers and co-workers who implement accommodations and provide emotional support can facilitate a smoother transition back to work (Armaou et al, 2018;.…”

“…Employers and co-workers who implement accommodations and provide emotional support can facilitate a smoother transition back to work (Armaou et al, 2018;. Alternatively, employers who do not communicate with the person prior to their return may create a work environment which negatively impacts their participation (Caron et al, 2018;Liaset & Kvam, 2018). Another aspect of support within the workplace is misconceptions held by employers regarding reduced productivity and performance of the person living with cancer (Cheng et al, 2018;Zamanzadeh et al, 2018).…”

“…Another aspect of support within the workplace is misconceptions held by employers regarding reduced productivity and performance of the person living with cancer (Cheng et al, 2018;Zamanzadeh et al, 2018). These misconceptions can be detrimental to the person's performance, co-worker relationships, and overall reintegration (Liaset & Kvam, 2018;Zamanzadeh et al, 2018).…”

“…People living with cancer perceive that there is a lack of input from health professionals in the long-term following treatment (Jakobsen et al, 2018;Keesing et al, 2018;Morrison & Thomas, 2014;Player et al, 2014). They have identified that more support from health professionals to manage the ongoing symptoms and side effects of cancer, identify possible functional implications, and coordinate with employers to implement appropriate accommodations would be beneficial for returning to work (Liaset & Kvam, 2018;. These perceptions agree with reports from health professionals that medical management is the priority in cancer care and that they rarely offer advice regarding work (Thomas, & Guitard, 2015;.…”