Working together: Providing better information, advice and support on work engagement and cancer

Abstract

Background: There is a body of evidence emerging on the importance of work following a diagnosis of cancer. There is, however, a need to provide better information, advice and support on work engagement. The challenges of work engagement and related decision-making at the more macro or systems level have been largely focused on the healthcare system and on patients' clinical pathways. This approach misses key stakeholder groups. Method: How can we meet the information and advice needs of those diagnosed with a urological cancer, and other key stakeholders in relation to cancer survival and work engagement? The project involved three key groups: individuals diagnosed with a urological cancer, relevant healthcare providers, and members of large organisations. There were three stages: in-depth interviews, modified qualitative Delphi study and expert workshops. Results: The analysis was conducted using Framework analysis. Ten key themes were identified: work engagement; decision-making and support; adaptation; communication; attitudes towards cancer; accommodation; roles and responsibilities; signposting; education and training; resources. Conclusion: Work is an important aspect of quality of life and should be recognised within cancer survivorship to improve individual and societal outcomes. This is necessarily more complex than a simple allocation of responsibility for providing information and advice to one stakeholder group, role or individual. This has to be shared across stakeholder groups across the person's journey from diagnosis to return to work and retention, non-return or retirement. This needs a system that is more easily staffed and able to deliver the information needed at an appropriate time and in a workable way according to knowledge and availability. Among other things, it also requires knowledge of and a map of the network of the groups, roles and people involved. Despite weaknesses in current practice, there is much appropriate resource available and commitment to doing things better. Working together, we can achieve this.