Acceptability and Feasibility of a Return-to-Work Intervention for Posttreatment Breast Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Co-design and Development Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The mortality rate from breast cancer has been declining for many years and the population of working-age survivors is steadily increasing. However, recurrent side effects of cancer and its treatment (e.g., loss of arm mobility, pain, fatigue) can lead to multiple disabilities and disruption of day-to-day life, including work. Despite the existing knowledge of best practices regarding return-to-work (RTW) for breast cancer survivors, only a few interdisciplinary interventions have been developed to address the individualized needs and multiple challenges of RTW stakeholders. Thus, it seems appropriate to develop RTW interventions collaboratively, using a co-design approach, with these specific stakeholders (e.g., breast cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, employer and insurer representatives). OBJECTIVE This manuscript presents a protocol to develop and test an innovative interdisciplinary pilot intervention based on a co-design approach to better support return-to-work and job retention after breast cancer. METHODS First, a participatory research approach will be used to develop the intervention in a co-design workshop with 12 to 20 participants, including people affected by cancer, employer and insurance representatives, and healthcare professionals. Next, a pilot intervention will be tested in a primary care setting and include six to eight women affected by breast cancer. Acceptability and feasibility of the pilot intervention will be pre-tested through semi-structured interviews that include participants, healthcare professionals, and patient partners involved. The transcribed data will undergo an iterative content analysis. RESULTS The first phase of the project, the co-design workshop, was completed in June 2021. Pilot testing of the intervention will begin in spring 2022. Results from the testing will be available in late 2022. CONCLUSIONS The project will offer novel data regarding the use of the co-design approach for the development of innovative co-designed interventions. In addition, it will be possible to document the acceptability and feasibility of the pilot intervention with a primary care team. Depending on the results obtained, the intervention could be implemented on a larger scale.