The Process of Returning to Work among Cancer Survivors: A Grounded Theory Study

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Returning to work after cancer is a complicated phenomenon. Little is known about cancer survivors’ experiences of returning to work regarding Iranian socio-cultural context. This study aimed to explore the process of returning to work among cancer survivors. Methods: This study was conducted using a grounded theory approach. 21 cancer survivors were selected from a wide range regarding demographic characteristics. In this study, sampling was started purposefully and continued theoretically until reaching the data saturation. Data were collected through face to face in-depth interviews at cancer survivor’s work place and Shahid Ghazi teaching hospital affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Data were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss (2008) approach. Results: Three main categories including Individual factors, Restrictive Nature of disease and social obstacles and facilitators were identified as contextual factors in returning to work process. Ambiguity in returning to work was identified as the main concern of cancer survivors regarding returning to work process. Analyzing the data for the process included three main categories namely assessing the situation, self accommodation and impressing the workplace for strategies and a main category for outcome namely feeling of attainment to normal condition. In this study, considering the properties of returning to work process (being a purposeful and valuable process, active engagement of cancer survivors and ambiguity in returning to work), valuable risk –taking was identified as the core category. Conclusion: Returning to work leads to sense of achieving to normal condition in cancer survivors. So, cancer survivors returning to work should be facilitated. Facilitation of returning to work required close interaction of healthcare personnel, employers, colleagues and families with the survivors. In this regard, cancer survivor’s effective strategies should be strengthened and work place should be prepared and modifies according to the survivors personal abilities and capacities.