‘Rebuilding Myself’- An intervention enhancing the adaptability of cancer patients to return to work: protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Abstract Aim: To describe a protocol that explores the feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention enhancing the adaptability of cancer patients to return to work. Background: Current evidence suggests the situation of cancer patients returning to work in China is unsatisfactory. Based on the ‘Adaptation Experience and Coping Resource Model for cancer patients to return to work’, we designed an intervention protocol. Design: A two-armed non-blinded randomized controlled trial. Methods: 96 participants will be recruited from three hospitals and the Cancer Rehabilitation Association in Nantong. After signing the informed consent form and completing the baseline assessment questionnaire, patients will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group at a ratio of 1:1. The primary outcome is the adaptability to return to work. The secondary outcomes are the self-efficacy of returning to work, mental resilience, quality of life, and work ability. Discussion: This study is to design a protocol for the ‘Rebuilding Myself’ intervention to enhance the adaptability of cancer patients to return to work. This study will provide new insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention. We anticipate that cancer patients will benefit from this study. Impact: This study will guide for researchers to carry out interventions enhancing cancer patients’ adaptability to return to work. If proven feasible and practical, it will be carried out broadly. Trial registration: This study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2200057943) on 23 March, 2022.