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

April 22, 2026 updated by: Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - Aviano
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.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Detailed Description

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.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

20

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Italy
    • Pordenone
      • Aviano, Pordenone, Italy, 33081
        • Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

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.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • 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.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Perception of Work Experience and Unmet Health Needs
Time Frame: up to 1 year
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 Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Identification of Potential Nursing Interventions for Work-Related Support
Time Frame: up to 1 year
Analysis of patient interviews using a qualitative approach to categorize and define specific nursing actions that can address the work-related health needs identified in the primary objective.
up to 1 year

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Centro di Riferimento Oncologico - Aviano

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

October 17, 2024

Primary Completion (Actual)

September 30, 2025

Study Completion (Actual)

September 30, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

April 13, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 22, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

April 24, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

April 24, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

April 22, 2026

Last Verified

April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • CRO-2024-051

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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