Improving Employment Outcomes of Breast Cancer Survivors: Development of a Web-Based Educational and Decision Support Tool

Abstract

A major consequence of surviving cancer is that treatment-related symptoms can persist and result in work disability. This problem will continue to escalate as treatment becomes more successful and the workforce ages. Employment is a critical component of quality of life, yet no effective intervention exists to improve employment outcomes following a cancer diagnosis. An innovative, interdisciplinary approach to improve work ability was used to develop a web-based, information support system for breast cancer survivors. Strategies from human factors engineering (HFE), decision support, and oncology symptom management were used to develop the WISE (Work ability Improvement through Symptom management and Ergonomic education), a survivor-centered intervention. The conceptual framework for the WISE is based on a macroergonomics work systems model that evaluates aspects of the work system and its interaction with the individual. The content and format of the WISE is based on recommendations from subject matter experts and end users. Application of HFE methods may empower survivors to maximize employment and economic self-sufficiency. The purpose of this poster presentation is to report on the content development and refinement of the WISE.

Working after a metastatic cancer diagnosis: Factors affecting employment in the metastatic setting from ECOG‐ACRIN's Symptom Outcomes and Practice Patterns study

“…Based on these results, we believe that symptom factors resulting in work interference should be minimized so that patients with metastatic disease may continue working for as long as desired. Strategies previously developed to help address work place difficulties for chronic illnesses 28 might be applied to patients with metastatic cancer. Moreover, symptom burden and interference with work are modifiable.…”