Navigating job and cancer demands during treatment: A qualitative study of ovarian cancer patients.
Gynecol Oncol
; 166(3): 481-486, 2022 09.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35902296
OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to obtain perspectives from ovarian cancer patients on job demands, cancer demands, and workplace or cancer resources and strategies to manage the cancer-work interface using the cancer-work management conceptual framework. METHODS: We recruited ovarian cancer patients receiving systemic therapy who screened positive for financial distress using Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity <26. Interviews were conducted with participants about their costs of care, including employment concerns. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by three researchers using an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Of 22 participants, the average age was 57 years old, 36% were Black, 68% had income <$40,000, 41% had public insurance, and 68% were being treated for recurrent disease. Job demands included decreased productivity, inability to return to work, and worry about losing a job or employer-based health insurance coverage. Cancer demands included physical and cognitive limitations due to cancer treatment and reliance on caregivers, especially for transportation. Workplace resources/strategies including having a supportive employer, modifying job responsibilities, and utilizing family medical leave. Cancer care resources/strategies included planning appointments ahead of time and utilizing resources, such as disability. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer care teams should consider screening patients for employment concerns; streamline care to minimize the side effects, time, and transportation demands of treatment on patients and caregivers; maximize utilization of available resources; and proactively communicate with employers to accommodate patients and caregivers who want or need to work.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Neoplasias Ováricas
/
Personas con Discapacidad
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Female
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Humans
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Gynecol Oncol
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos