ISSN: 2640-2734
Authors: Naomi Dolgoy, Douglas P Gross, Chester Ho, S Nicole Culos-Reed and Margaret L McNeely*
Purpose: Working-aged cancer survivors (18-64 years) are on average 1.4 times more likely to be unemployed after completing cancer treatments than are similar aged healthy cohorts. Given the personal and financial burdens on working-aged cancer survivors, improving return-to-work outcomes is necessary. There is sparse cancer-specific research in work-related functional interventions with self-reported measurable outcomes. Research of cancer-specific exercise programs targeting stamina and endurance show promise in improving return-to-work, though these programs do not specifically address work-related activities. A foundation of successful work outcomes is self-efficacy, which has not yet been researched as a primary endpoint in cancer-specific studies examining work-related interventions. This pilot study explored 1. the feasibility of adding tailored work-related functional activities to a cancer-specific exercise program, and 2. the value of using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)’s productivity section as an outcome to measure performance and satisfaction as aspects of work self-efficacy. Methods: This study utilized a single group pre-test/post-test design with working-aged cancer survivors (n=7). Outcome measures included work-related physical performance (lift tests), participation (adherence to the program - attendance and participation logs), and work self-efficacy satisfaction and performance (the COPM). Results: All participants completed their functional interventions. 6/7 participants completed pre- and post-lift tests, showing improvements at the post-lifting assessment. Participant perception of goal attainment (performance and satisfaction) showed clinically meaningful improvement (2-point change) in all participants. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using the COPM as a tool for measuring performance and satisfaction. Embedding work-related functional activities into a physical exercise program provides a model for potential implementation and scalability.
Keywords: Cancer, Rehabilitation, Return-to-Work
