The Use and Perceived Usefulness of an Online Toolbox Targeted at Employers (MiLES Intervention) for Enhancing Successful Return to Work of Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose The MiLES intervention is a web-based intervention targeted at employers with the objective of enhancing successful return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the employers’ use and perceived usefulness of the MiLES intervention. Methods Employer representatives (e.g. Human Resource managers and supervisors) were given access to the MiLES intervention, which contains, among others, interactive videos, conversation checklists and tailored tips. After six weeks, an online questionnaire gathered data on employers’ use and the perceived usefulness of the intervention. In-depth qualitative data on these topics were gathered during semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using a content analysis. Results Thirty-one eligible employers were included. Twenty-two of them filled out the questionnaire and twenty were interviewed. Typically, employers used the intervention 2–3 times, for 26 min per visit. The usefulness of the intervention scored 7.6 out of 10 points, and all employers would recommend it to colleagues. Employers’ use decreased when support needs were low and when the intervention did not correspond with their specific situation (e.g. complex reintegration trajectories). Employers perceived the intervention to be supporting and practically oriented. They appreciated the fact that the intervention was web-based and combined visual and textual content. The possibility of consulting specialized services for complex situations would further enhance its usefulness. Conclusion The MiLES intervention provides employers with a useful tool in their daily practice. Its effectiveness for enhancing employers’ managerial skills and cancer survivors’ successful RTW is subject for further research.

A randomised feasibility trial of an employer-based intervention for enhancing successful return to work of cancer survivors (MiLES intervention)

“…However, our study on the use of the online toolbox has provided some substantiation that the method used to inform employers about the toolbox, i.e. a one-off provision of URL of the toolbox, actually leads to use among employers [26]. An additional process evaluation parallel to the current randomised feasibility study, e.g.…”

“…Employers perceived the intervention to be useful (i.e. perceived usefulness was scored 7.6 out of 10 points), and all participated employers would recommend the intervention to colleagues [26]. These results clearly show that, from the employer perspective, the MiLES intervention is a useful tool that is suitable to employers' daily practice.…”

“…For the latter, 3 predefined types are distinguished [25]: 1) an emotional cancer survivor, in which intense emotions such as sadness and anger can alternate quickly; 2) a cancer survivor who wants little attention for their health situation, and wants to be involved in work for as long as possible and return to work as quickly as possible; and 3) a cancer survivor who starts looking differently at work and life, and gives other priorities due to their illness. Employers who used the toolbox have indicated that it increased both their ability and their willingness to support cancer survivors (94 and 66% of the participated employers, respectively) [26]. The toolbox is accessible via an URL that was not traceable using any online search engine throughout the study period; this was to prevent employers of participants in the control group being exposed to the intervention.…”

“…A comparable method to inform employers about the online toolbox, i.e. a one-off provision of the URL of the toolbox, has previously led to a reasonable use of it: 82% of the participating employers used the toolbox, typically 2-3 times over a period of 6 weeks, and on average for 26 min per visit [26].…”

“…In a previous study, we have assessed the use and perceived usefulness of the MiLES intervention among employers [26]. We found that most employers (n = 22; 82%) used the intervention, typically 2-3 times over a period of 6 weeks, and on average for 26 min per visit [26].…”