Nearly half of all cancer patients are of working age. For these cancer patients, getting back to work can symbolize the return to normality and financial independence. However, only 40% of cancer patients return to work within 12 months. Returning to work can be a difficult path to navigate and employers play an integral role during sick leave and reintegration. Employers may struggle with balancing the interests of the organization, the cancer survivor and colleagues, as well as showing compassion while respecting privacy. To help employers navigate this complex process, Dr. Michiel Greidanus and his team at Cancer Center Amsterdam developed the MiLES intervention - a web-based resource to assist employers from the moment of an employee’s diagnosis until their sustainable reintegration.
The MiLES intervention
The MiLES intervention consists of interactive communication videos, conversation checklists, concise information and tips, and links to trusted third-party resources to promote the successful return to work of cancer survivors.
Feedback on the MiLES intervention has been very positive. Under the study conditions, most employers used the intervention typically 2-3 times during the 6-week study period and found it helpful. All employers indicated they would recommend the intervention to their colleagues. However, to facilitate implementation and employer up-take of the program, Dr. Greidanus and his team need to demonstrate that the tool is constructive and cost-effective in enhancing the successful return to work of cancer survivors. This is what Dr. Greidanus intends to do with this new research grant from KWF.
Demonstrating value
The MiLES program will be trialed by two organizations: Re-turn and Arbo Unie. Re-turn is a specialized cancer reintegration service and Arbo Unie is a large national occupational health service. “After we ensure that MiLES is properly implemented in both settings, we will conduct a randomized control trial to compare the outcomes of cancer survivors that are supported by an employer with or without the MiLES intervention,” says Dr. Greidanus. Their trial will include 140 cancer survivors and their employers.
The team will also measure the effectiveness of MiLES from multiple perspectives:
- successful return to work, quality of life, and satisfaction with employer support;
- self-efficacy and satisfaction with the return to work process;
- cost-effectiveness and cost-utility measured from both the societal and employers’ standpoint.
“If MiLES proves to be constructive and cost-effective, we will formulate tailored recommendations regarding the implementation of MiLES beyond the research setting, aimed at optimizing its adoption, implementation, and sustainability,” declares Dr. Greidanus. Most importantly, MiLES should enhance successful return to work of cancer survivors, and thereby improve their quality of life.
Dr. Michiel Greidanus
For more information contact Dr. Michiel Greidanus.
People involved:
Dr. Michiel Greidanus (project leader)
Dr. Sietske Tamminga (principal investigator)
Prof. Angela de Boer
Prof. Allard van der Beek
Dr. Femke van Nassau.
Text by Lynita Howie.