Perceptions on the content and delivery of a work-focused intervention for women living with and beyond breast cancer: a qualitative-descriptive design

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Increased survivorship has prompted a focus on re-integration into employment. Research therefore recommends the development and evaluation of interventions to support women with breast cancer in returning to work. Despite this, there remain few rehabilitation interventions to support this cohort in maintaining or returning to their work role. The aim of this study was to explore preferences for the content and delivery of a work-focused intervention for women living with and beyond breast cancer.Methods: Women living with and beyond breast cancer, healthcare professionals, and employers were invited to participate in a qualitative-descriptive study, using once-off semi-structured interviews, exploring preferences for content and delivery of a work-focused intervention. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Thirty-nine participants were recruited. Women living with and beyond breast cancer had varied opinions on whether the intervention should be group- or individual-based. This contrasts with healthcare professionals who preferred group-based interventions for pragmatic reasons. While there were mixed views on session length, most participants identified four-to-six weeks intervention duration. Participants discussed challenges in return-to-work including the impact of ongoing side-effects, employer-employee communication, and reduced awareness of employment entitlements and rights.Conclusion: A range of barriers and enablers in return-to-work post-breast cancer were highlighted and could inform the content of a work-focused intervention. Variations in viewpoints on intervention delivery underlines a no one-size-fits all approach in return-to-work support. Further research on the development of a work-focused intervention is warranted.