The Return-to-Work Experience of Cancer Patients: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

NCT07551453 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: CRO-2024-051
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 20
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Cancer

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Perception of Work Experience and Unmet Health Needs

  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.

  up to 1 year

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Identification of Potential Nursing Interventions for Work-Related Support

  up to 1 year

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of adult cancer patient (18+ years) diagnosed with any primary neoplasm, who are currently employed and undergoing active anticancer treatment (pharmacological, surgical, or radiological) in an outpatient or Day Hospital setting.

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - Aviano: lead

Study Sites (1)

Centro di riferimento Oncologico di Aviano

Aviano, Pordenone, 33081, Italy

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neoplasms

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 13, 2026
• First Posted: April 24, 2026
• Study Start: October 17, 2024
• Primary Completion: September 30, 2025
• Study Completion: September 30, 2025
• Last Updated: April 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

IT (1)