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Breast cancer return-to-work
support programs British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) Return to Work Program was developed as a pilot in late 2010 as a 1.5-hour presentation. Content was based on experience and themes that have emerged through vocational rehabilitation counselling work. The full pilot program was 3 half-day sessions run over 3 weeks, This version ran 2 times. It was hard for participants to commit to all three half days. BCCA has recently tried the session as one full day. Participants found this too long, too much information all at once. Will not offer it in this format again. Now runs 4 times per year. Among content covered: Preparing to return to work: Preparing colleagues; Preparing employers (CPAC, 2012)
Breast Cancer Survivorship Program at the Princess Margaret Hospital created and studied a blended learning (in class and on-line) program called Survivorship Transition to Employment Project (STEP) designed to assist breast cancer survivors in reintegrating into the workforce. Results have not yet been published (Personal communication, Robert Luke, 2010). (Nitkin) Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) – Montreal - Life after a cancer diagnosis (official title for program still undecided as of Dec. 20, 2011) was developed based on a research initiative (2009) that included 50 participants looking at issues faced after a cancer diagnosis. Presentations and workshops were created based on the research data. In January 2011, a group of 35 cancer patients, caregivers, employers, volunteers, psychologists and human resources professionals were invited to pilot the program. They attended the presentations and were asked to provide feedback and detailed evaluation, and to identify gaps. The presentations have been reviewed; CCS expects to promote the program in early 2012. Content: Psychosocial support, occupational issues, workplace integration, insurance, legal issues, vocational rehab, social perception of cancer. Eight PowerPoint presentations offered by trained professionals (e.g., sexologist, sociologist, psychologist, human resources professional); two of the workshops will focus on issues related to returning to work during or after treatment. (CPAC, 2012) Great West Life (GWL) Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace - Working Through It: development began in 2003 when a woman diagnosed with cancer and depression wanted to give back to those experiencing mental health and work-related challenges. GWL developed an online video series of 10 personal testimonials that identify challenges and solutions of RTW. Content and themes were determined by the individuals who participated in the video testimonials, based on what worked for different individuals. Addresses fatigue, depression, brain fog, cognitive dysfunction. Video topics include: What should I say? (CPAC, 2012) The Regional Cancer Program of the Hôpital régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital provides a Women’s Return to Work Support Group when they have sufficient registration. The program is offered beyond the geographical area by having participants teleconference in from other locations. Their program consists of four psycho-educational and support sessions led by professional social workers who have expertise in this area. (Nitkin) Wellspring Returning to Work (name recently changed from Return to Work) - 8-week core program (session is two hours) covers group norms, confidentiality, story sharing, self-assessment survey; grief and change, acknowledging change, adaptation; skills from past transitions; parameters of jobs, skills and abilities; panel presentation of other Wellspring member’s experiences (on videotape); communication skills (e.g., with colleagues, bosses, accommodations); self-care. Participants are typically women on LTD, 40-60 years of age, breast cancer, have completed treatment. Group size is usually between 8–20 participants, would want at least 6 and no more than 20 per program. (CPAC, 2012) Wellspring Back at Work was the response to a programming gap in addressing issues that emerged when individuals went back to work. The program was developed in 2009/2010 with a program developer and staff person and has been offered 3 times since 2009/2010; fewer than 7 people have attended. Feeling that there was too much focus on emotional versus practical needs, the program was revised and pilot tested in early 2011. The program is still considered a pilot. (CPAC, 2012) |
