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Abstract
PURPOSE: Return to work (RTW) is a key milestone in cancer survivorship, supporting identity, stability, and quality of life. Many survivors face physical, social, and psychological barriers (Wilson et al., 2023). Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are well positioned to address these challenges through energy conservation, environmental modification, and work reintegration strategies (Désiron et al., 2016). This systematized review synthesized evidence on OT interventions that support RTW for adult cancer survivors.
DESIGN: A systematized review was conducted by a medical librarian from the McGoogan Health Sciences Library. Articles were included if published in English between 2003–2024 and classified as Level I–VI evidence.
METHOD: Titles and abstracts of 352 articles from MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus were screened; 62 underwent full-text review, and 14 met inclusion criteria. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines were used to determine strength of evidence and guide clinical recommendations.
RESULTS: Four themes emerged: multicomponent/multidisciplinary, self-management, physical activity, and vocational/workplace collaboration. Four Level 1A studies provide strong evidence for multicomponent/multidisciplinary interventions. Two Level 1A, one Level 1B, and one Level 2B study provide strong evidence for self-management. Two Level 1A and one Level 6 study provide strong evidence for physical activity. One Level 1A, one Level 1B, and one Level 5 study provide moderate evidence for vocational or workplace collaboration.
CONCLUSION: Findings support routine use of these interventions to promote RTW. OTPs play a key role through coordination with employers, advocacy for OT in oncology, and education on workplace rights and accommodations. Further research is needed to determine optimal timing and dosage. IMPACT STATEMENT: This review supports OTPs in applying evidence-based interventions that improve RTW outcomes for cancer survivors.
References:
Désiron, H. A. M., Crutzen, R., Godderis, L., Van Hoof, E., & de Rijk, A. (2016). Bridging health care and the workplace: Formulation of a return-to-work intervention for breast cancer patients using an intervention mapping approach. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 26(3), 350–365. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-015-9620-3
Wilson, T. N., Nambiema, A., Porro, B., Descatha, A., Aublet-Cuvelier, A., Evanoff, B., & Roquelaure, Y. (2023). Effectiveness of physical activity interventions on return to work after a cancer diagnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 33(1), 4–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-022-10052-9
Publication Date
11-2025
Disciplines
Occupational Therapy | Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
Recommended Citation
Brichka, Kateryna; Spotanski, Jordyn; Warner, Kara; Westmark, Danielle; Smallfield, Stacy; and Whitlow, Molly, "Occupational Therapy Interventions Supporting Return-To-Work After Cancer Treatment: A Systematized Review" (2025). Student Systematized Reviews: Occupational Therapy. 25.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/cahp_ot_sysrev/25
Comments
2025 Copyright, the authors