Cancer
Conditions
Brief summary
This study explores the phenomenon of returning to work among individuals affected by cancer, with the objective of providing a description of their lived experience. The ultimate goal is to understand the significance attributed to work, describing the extent to which it is perceived as a protective factor instrumental in restoring a sense of 'normality' and improving quality of life.
Detailed description
This study explores the phenomenon of returning to work among individuals affected by cancer, with the objective of providing a description of their lived experience. The ultimate goal is to understand the significance attributed to work, describing the extent to which it is perceived as a protective factor instrumental in restoring a sense of 'normality' and improving quality of life.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - Aviano
Study design
Observational model
OTHER
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age: 18 years of age or older. * Diagnosis: Primary diagnosis of neoplasm. * Treatment: Currently undergoing at least one anticancer treatment (pharmacological/systemic therapy, surgery, or radiotherapy). * Setting: Patients managed in a Day Hospital or outpatient setting. * Employment Status: Engaged in paid and continuous professional activity at the time of diagnosis. * Language: Ability to understand and speak the Italian language fluently. * Informed Consent: Ability to provide written informed consent for study participation and data processing (privacy) in accordance with local regulations.
Exclusion criteria
* Pre-existing Unemployment: Individuals who were not employed prior to the onset of the disease. * Psychiatric or Cognitive Impairment: Current diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or cognitive dysfunction that may interfere with the ability to participate in the interview. * Terminal Prognosis: Patients with a diagnosis of terminal illness or end-of-life status. * Lack of Voluntary Consent: Individuals who voluntarily choose not to participate in the project or withdraw consent.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Perception of Work Experience and Unmet Health Needs | up to 1 year | A qualitative assessment of how cancer patients perceive their professional life during treatment will be carried out using Colaizzi framework (1978). The study uses semi-structured interviews to identify "unexpressed health needs"-specific physical, psychological, or organizational requirements related to working while undergoing therapy that are not currently addressed by standard care. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Identification of Potential Nursing Interventions for Work-Related Support | up to 1 year | Analysis of patient interviews using a qualitative approach to categorize and define specific nursing actions that can address the work-related health needs identified in the primary objective. |
Countries
Italy
Outcome results
None listed