Survivors' experiences of return to work following cancer: A photovoice study.

BACKGROUND: For many working-age cancer survivors, return to work represents a quality-of-life indicator. However, there is currently a lack of resources to assist survivors with navigating this process. PURPOSE: As a first step toward informing resources to address this gap, 10 female survivors' return-to-work experiences were explored. METHOD: Photovoice methods were combined with interviews. Photographs and text were analyzed to identify key themes. FINDINGS: Return to work was psychosocially motivated. Survivors independently decided if they would take leave and, if so, when they would return to work. Successful work reintegration was characterized as respectful, collaborative, and customized to each survivor's ongoing limitations and variable recovery. IMPLICATIONS: The findings underscore a holistic, client-centred, and collaborative approach to successful return to work with cancer survivors. Occupational therapists, with their vocational rehabilitation knowledge and responsive practice philosophy, are well positioned to address this gap in survivorship support.

Working alliance development in occupational therapy: a cross-case analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite reverence afforded the therapeutic relationship construct in occupational therapy, many occupational therapists feel ill equipped to use themselves therapeutically to enhance the relationship with their clients. Furthermore, although occupational therapists often link the strength of the therapeutic relationship to therapy outcomes, related occupational therapy specific research has been limited. According to the psychotherapy literature, the working alliance is one element of the therapeutic relationship which has in fact been linked to therapy outcomes. METHODS: A mixed-methods, prospective, multiple case study approach was used to compare the experiences of the working alliance by both occupational therapists and clients across four therapeutic dyads. RESULTS: Several key elements were identified in this study's qualitative data as shaping the process of alliance development in occupational therapy including: the fostering of an interpersonal connection; the use of humour as therapeutic modality; an impetus to act that leads to functional enhancements; a shared sense of success and a positive feedback mechanism created through successfully attaining clearly delineated, client-centred therapy goals. CONCLUSIONS: By considering these identified elements, occupational therapists may focus upon tangible considerations towards enhanced therapeutic use-of-self in the development of sound working alliance with their clients potentially improving therapy outcomes.

Intention to Return to Work after Stroke Following Rehabilitation in Ontario.

BACKGROUND.: Returning to work is important for many people following stroke. An estimate of the prevalence of people intending to return to work post-stroke would be helpful in planning services supporting work reintegration. PURPOSE.: This study examined the prevalence of intention to return to work after discharge among stroke rehabilitation inpatients. METHODS.: We performed secondary analysis of National Rehabilitation Reporting System data for all stroke rehabilitation inpatients across Ontario (2012-2017). Intention to return to work was examined by gender, age, and level of disability. FINDINGS.: Among 25,691 stroke rehabilitation inpatients, 4,668 (18.2%) were employed pre-stroke and 2,039 (43.7%) of them intended to return to work. Intention to return to work was somewhat higher among younger and middle-aged stroke survivors and those with mild disability. IMPLICATIONS.: Providers and planners should be aware that almost half of previously employed stroke-rehabilitation inpatients may be seeking services to assist with return to work.