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Experiences of cancer survivors returning to work decision-making: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

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Abstract

Purpose

Return to work for cancer survivors (CSs) may be challenging, and there is a research gap in integrating the relevant experiences of the return-to-work decision-making process for CSs. Our aim was to synthesize existing qualitative research that integrates the dynamic experiences of CSs in the return-to-work decision-making process and highlights the factors influencing the return-to-work decisions of CSs.

Methods

We retrieved qualitative studies on a relevant theme published in the PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases since construction to December 2023. Literature screening, quality evaluation, and data analysis followed the PRISMA, Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool (2016), and thematic analysis methods to ensure study reliability. The study was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023429623).

Results

Ten articles were included, and six key outcomes were identified based on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) integration: points of concern for individuals, sense of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, work perception and belonging, medical advice and guidance, and effects of the external reactions.

Conclusion

The decision-making process for CSs to return to work is affected by various personal and external factors. Effectively addressing personal appearance, financial, and emotional issues can enhance self-efficacy of CSs. Improving external perceptions of cancer patients and enhancing social support in the workplace and medical settings can help CSs make informed decisions regarding their return to work.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

The decision of CSs to return to work is a result of integrating personal, job, and medical care considerations. These findings contribute to the development of future interventions for CSs’ return-to-work decisions that target an array of potential factors.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Nantong University for supporting this research.

Funding

This work was supported by the National Social Science Fund of China (Grant numbers [21BSH007]).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China

    Xiao-qin Su, Hong-hua Sang, Ben-xin Kuai & Yu-jie Guo

  2. Office of the Medical Community, Taizhou Second People’s Hospital, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China

    Ping Xue

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  4. Ping Xue
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Title and abstracts were screened by two researchers (B-xK, PX). X-qS and H-hS screened all full-text studies along with all excluded papers and data was extracted. The quality appraisal was carried out by X-qS and B-xK. The first draft of the manuscript was written by X-qS and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Ping Xue or Yu-jie Guo.

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This is a meta-synthesis and no ethical approval is required.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Su, Xq., Sang, Hh., Kuai, Bx. et al. Experiences of cancer survivors returning to work decision-making: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. J Cancer Surviv (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-023-01530-x

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