A multidisciplinary working model for promoting return to work of cancer survivors

Background: Despite wide recognition of the necessity of an integrative maintenance and return to work (RTW) program for cancer survivors, no such program has been described in the literature. Aims: To examine a working model of an integrative multidisciplinary health care approach for promoting RTW, using the Delphi method. Methods: A working model for promoting cancer survivors’ RTW by oncology health professionals was subjected to two rounds of evaluation by an expert panel in accordance with the Delphi research method. Twenty-six international experts in oncology (social workers, nurses, psychologists, physicians, and cancer patients) participated in the first round and 16 participated in the second round. Results: The mean score of the working model’s applicability was 6.07 (SD = 1.07, range = 1–7). The model outlines in detail an integrative approach for promotion of RTW according to two axes: the oncology health professionals’ role and the timeline axis featuring four stages of oncology treatment and follow-up. Conclusions: Our proposed model addresses the need for an integrated program that may increase the rate of RTW and improve the quality of life of cancer survivors. The model should be subjected to further evaluation, especially its adaptability to different health systems in different countries.