Effects of a self-managed return to work intervention for colorectal cancer survivors: A prospective randomized controlled trial

Objective The present study aims to assess the efficacy of stage-matched, self-managed Return to Work (RTW) interventions in enhancing RTW outcomes among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Methods This trial, conducted in South Korea, enrolled 58 unemployed survivors of colorectal cancer. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group received a self-managed return-to-work intervention based on the trans-theoretical model, while the control group received an educational booklet. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months to measure changes in various factors including return-to-work status and HRQOL. Results In the experimental group, 28 participants were randomly assigned, while 30 individuals were allocated to the control group. The experimental group exhibited a higher proportion of individuals achieving RTW (64.5% vs 39.3%, p = 0.013) and demonstrated greater improvements in work ability (p = 0.001), RTW self-efficacy (p = 0.035), readiness for RTW in the prepared-for-action (p <.0001), uncertain maintenance (p = 0.033), and proactive maintenance (p <.0001) stages, quality of working life (p = 0.003), HRQOL (p < 0.05), and illness perception (p < 0.05) compared to the control group at the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions Stage-matched self-managed RTW interventions incorporating TTM principles may effectively enhance RTW outcomes and work ability among CRC survivors.