Work Ability and Return-to-Work in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): de Boer A G E M, Verbeek J H A M, Spelten E R, Uitterhoeve A L J, Ansink A C, de Reijke T M, Kammeijer M, Sprangers M A G, van Dijk F J H
Primary Institution: Coronel Institute for Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
The extent to which self-assessed work ability collected during treatment can predict return-to-work in cancer patients is unknown.
Conclusion
Self-assessed work ability is an important factor in the return-to-work process of cancer patients independent of age and clinical factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Mean current work ability scores improved significantly over time from 4.6 at 6 months to 6.3 and 6.7 at 12 and 18 months, respectively.
- Patients with haematological cancers and those who received chemotherapy showed the lowest work ability scores.
- Work ability at 6 months strongly predicted return-to-work at 18 months, after correction for the influence of age and treatment.
Takeaway
This study found that cancer patients' ability to work improves over time, and how they feel about their work ability can help predict if they will return to work.
Methodology
Patients were followed for 18 months, with work ability and return-to-work data collected at 6, 12, and 18 months after the first day of sick leave.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported work ability and return-to-work outcomes.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to all cancer patients as it focused on those employed at diagnosis and did not include patients who returned to work before the first measurement.
Participant Demographics
Patients were aged 18-58, with a majority diagnosed with breast cancer, cancer of the female genitals, or genitourological cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
1.27–1.48
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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