Return to work in breast cancer patients: development of an occupational therapy intervention to bridge the gap between health care and work

Return to work in breast cancer patients: development of an occupational therapy intervention to bridge the gap between health care and work. Huget Désiron1, Elke Van Hoof 2,3, Angelique De Rijk4 and Peter Donceel5 1 Department of Occupational Therapy, University College of Hasselt, Belgium; 2Cancer center, National Institute of Health, Belgium;3 Experimental and applied psychology, Faculty of Psychological and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium; 4 Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, The Netherlands; and 5 Department of Occupational, Environmental and Insurance Medicine, KULeuven, Belgium. Although the number of breast-cancer survivors is increasing, occupational reintegration is not a priority in medical treatment as the primary aim focuses on survival. Moreover, in existing rehabilitation programs, the main focus is on physical functioning. Social participation in daily life and professional reintegration often remain underrated. Contrary, both research results and clinical experience suggest that assisting these patients in their vocational rehabilitation will not only help them to stay employed but will subsequently increase their quality of life. Professional reintegration after breast cancer treatment remains a challenge for all those involved. Possible barriers are (1) the side-effects of the treatment and (2) the lack of support. The purpose of this research project is to develop Occupational Therapy (OT) intervention as a structural part of rehabilitation for breast cancer survivors by supporting their re-entry on the job. A systematic literature review will be presented. This systematic review examines existing evidence and research results regarding possible interventions to increase occupational functioning. A quantitative (and qualitative) evaluation study of an occupational therapy intervention, based upon consensus and best practice will be developed. Indeed, by interviewing and studying breast cancer survivors and including an expert-group consisting of members of existing rehabilitation teams, the necessary components should be detected.status: publishe