Readiness for return-to-work model-based analysis of return-to-work perception of young and middle-aged colorectal cancer patients with stoma in the early postoperative period: a descriptive qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose: With an increase in the number of young and middle-aged colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with stoma, understanding their perception about return to work (RTW) can guide medical professionals to provide appropriate rehabilitation strategies, which can eventually improve patients' readiness for RTW and enable them to achieve nal rehabilitation. The present study aimed to investigate the RTW-related perceptions of young and middle-aged CRC patients with stoma after surgery.Methods: From 2021 to 2022, we conducted a basic interpretive qualitative study involving semistructured interviews with 17 CRC patients with stoma in two grade 3A hospitals in China. This study was based on the readiness for return to work (RRTW) model. Data collection was continued until data saturation was reached, and all data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by Colaizzi's phenomenologicalmethod.Results: The following three key themes were identi ed: (1) self-e cacy; (2) decision balance; and (3) change process. Eight subthemes were formulated that were included within the respective main themes. Conclusion:In light of the current low self-e cacy and unsatisfactory willingness of patients with stoma about RTW, we suggest that medical staff should implement cognitive intervention and supportive intervention to improve self-e cacy and actively enhance the motivation of patients for RTW and simultaneously resolve the pertinent di culties; this could help patients to accept the positive change process and enable their successful transition from a change process to RTW.