Supporting cancer patients with work-related problems through an oncological occupational physician: a feasibility study

Abstract

To evaluate the feasibility of an oncological occupational physician (OOP) who is trained in oncological work-related problems, and in providing work-related support to cancer patients within the curative setting. We assessed facilitators and barriers that affect the activities of an OOP, and the satisfaction of the OOPs and patients with this new form of health care. Interviews were held with (1) OOPs (N = 13) to assess facilitators, barriers and their satisfaction with their ability to give supportive care and (2) cancer patients (N = 8) to assess their satisfaction concerning consulting an OOP. The main facilitators were positive feedback from health care providers and patients about the received care and support that the OOP had given, and the additional knowledge of the OOPs about cancer and work-related problems. Major barriers for being active as an OOP were lack of financial support for the OOP and the unfamiliarity of patients and health care providers with the specialised occupational physician. Both OOPs and the specialised knowledge and additional training of the OOPs facilitated providing support to cancer patients and survivors with work-related problems. Familiarity with the specialised occupational physician and financial support should be improved.

Cancer Survivors and Returning to Work Perspectives from Occupational Health Physicians in Korea

“…13 Accredited training in the Netherlands began in 2011; it consists of a 5-day theoretical module and a practical internship in an oncological center. OHP tasks can be described in terms of support and counseling on the following sub-tasks: continuing work during cancer treatment, general return-to-work, legislation on sickness and disability, intervention referral, and deliberation with the OHP and the clinical care team 27. It is necessary to introduce the curriculum to OHPs to allow counseling for cancer patients' return to work after completing cancer treatment in Korea.…”

“…OHP tasks can be described in terms of support and counseling on the following sub-tasks: continuing work during cancer treatment, general return-to-work, legislation on sickness and disability, intervention referral, and deliberation with the OHP and the clinical care team. 27 It is necessary to introduce the curriculum to OHPs to allow counseling for cancer patients' return to work after completing cancer treatment in Korea. Moreover, more than half of the OHPs indicated that their role was not understood by physicians from other departments, a finding that corresponded to that by Zaman et al 27 However, Tamminga et al 16 found that communication improved between oncologists and OHPs during support interventions and increased interdisciplinary collaboration.…”

“… 27 It is necessary to introduce the curriculum to OHPs to allow counseling for cancer patients' return to work after completing cancer treatment in Korea. Moreover, more than half of the OHPs indicated that their role was not understood by physicians from other departments, a finding that corresponded to that by Zaman et al 27 However, Tamminga et al 16 found that communication improved between oncologists and OHPs during support interventions and increased interdisciplinary collaboration. Hence, efforts should be made to improve multidisciplinary interventions in the clinical environment.…”

Return to Work of Breast Cancer Survivors: Perspectives and Challenges for Occupational Physicians

“…A multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, which combined occupational counselling with a physical exercise program supervised by a sports physician and a physiotherapist during chemotherapy, resulted in increase of rates of RTW, in reduced fatigue and increased importance of work, work ability and quality of life. Occupational counselling was provided by an oncological OP [38], who is an OP with a specific training relating to the support of patients with cancer who encounter work-related problems [38][39][40].…”

Sustained employability of cancer patients and survivors: are we getting any closer?

“…Zaman, Bruinvels, de Boer, and Frings‐Dresen () evaluate in their study the concept of the Dutch oncological occupational physician (OOP)—people who are trained in oncological work‐related problems, and in providing work‐related support to cancer patients within the curative setting. The authors assessed facilitators and barriers that affect the activities of an OOP in the Netherlands, and the satisfaction of the OOPs and patients with this relatively new form of health care.…”