‘Beyond Cancer’: a study protocol of a multimodal occupational rehabilitation programme to support breast cancer survivors to return work

What is it about?

With more women working and surviving breast cancer, women need assistance to return to suitable employment following diagnosis. There is a general lack of services available to women to help with their transition back to work post-cancer. This paper describes a new program ‘Beyond Cancer’, and its evaluation. Beyond Cancer features multiple elements that together assist breast cancer survivors’ return to work that is delivered by occupational rehabilitation professionals. It is expected that breast cancer survivors will show improved work outcomes, and will also report improved support at work at 6 months after their participation in the Beyond Cancer program relative to when they were referred. Their outcomes are also expected to be improved relative to a group of breast cancer survivors receiving the traditional (‘usual care’) support from occupational rehabilitation providers. 
Methods
The study will use measures of change including ‘work status’ as well as ‘work capacity’ and perceived support at work. Participants are breast cancer survivors of working age, unable to work as they were before their diagnosis for more than 3 months, their employers, and a historical ‘usual care’ group. Key intervention elements: a comprehensive assessment and health coaching program, employer education and support, and return to work (RTW) planning and monitoring. Health coaching empowers survivors to return to social function, including work. Employer education and support will help employers to better communicate with the breast cancer survivor and improves workplace support. For employers, we predict change in confidence in effectively supporting employees’ RTW.
The evaluation of this novel and unique program will provide the foundation for larger national trial, thus improving the quality of life of those who have been directly affected by breast cancer across Australia. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at relevant conferences, and shared with survivorship-focused organisations.

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