Development and implementation of work-related medical rehabilitation in cancer patients using organizational ethnography and action research methodology

• Authors: Betje Schwarz , Julian Wienert , Matthias Bethge

Abstracts

EN

Objectives To develop a work-related medical rehabilitation (WMR) program for cancer patients based on the best available evidence, the expertise of rehabilitation professionals and the perspective of the patients, to ensure the fidelity of its implementation and to prepare its subsequent outcome evaluation. Material and Methods The implementation study was based on organizational ethnography and action research, and followed a multimethod, participatory and iterative approach to data collection and analysis. The authors carried out observations in 4 rehabilitation centers and conducted focus groups with rehabilitation professionals and patients. The obtained data were subjected to qualitative content analysis. All findings were discussed promptly with the rehabilitation centers at feedback meetings that contributed to the further development of the program. Results The following WMR modules were defined based on the findings: additional work-related diagnostics, multi-professional team meetings, an introductory session, work-related functional capacity training, work-related psychological groups and intensified social counseling. Process descriptions for the subsequent evaluation of the program via a cluster-randomized trial were also developed, containing, e.g., instructions for patient information and recruitment. Conclusions Implementation studies can help to prepare for valid trials as they facilitate ensuring the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of program implementation and evaluation. Organizational ethnography and action research are suitable methods for carrying out such studies. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(2):217–28

Keywords

EN

qualitative research; cancer; Action research; return-to-work; work-related medical rehabilitation; organizational ethnography

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
• Year: 2019
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 217-228

Dates

published

2019

Contributors

author

Betje Schwarz

• University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany (Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Section Rehabilitation and Work)

author

Julian Wienert

• University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany (Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Section Rehabilitation and Work)

author

Matthias Bethge

• University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany (Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Section Rehabilitation and Work)

Identifiers

DOI

10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01250

Biblioteka Nauki

2161998