"Rebuilding Myself"- An intervention enhancing adaptability of cancer patients to return to work: a feasibility study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to examine the feasibility and effects of the “Rebuilding Myself” intervention to enhance adaptability of cancer patients to return to work. Methods: A randomized controlled trial with a two-arm, single-blind design was employed. The control group received usual care, whereas the intervention group received “Rebuilding Myself” interventions. The effects were evaluated before the intervention, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. The outcomes were the adaptability to return to work, self-efficacy of returning to work, mental resilience, quality of life, and work ability. Results: The results showed a recruitment rate of 73.17%, a retention rate of 80%. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in cancer patients’ adaptability to return to work, self-efficacy to return to work, mental resilience, and the dimension of bodily function, emotional function, fatigue, insomnia, and general health of quality of life. Conclusion: “Rebuilding Myself” intervention was proven to be feasible and can initially improve cancer patients’ adaptability to return to work. The intervention will help provide a new direction for clinicians and cancer patients to return to work.