Individualized Return-to-Work Intervention Within the Cancer Care Continuum

The three-phase occupational therapy approach, based on the PEOP model, considers cognitive and physical impairments and environmental and occupational demands to support persons with brain cancer return to work. The findings provide preliminary support for occupational therapy's involvement within the cancer care continuum to support return to work. Plain-Language Summary: Advances in cancer treatments have led to higher numbers of people with cancer who want to return to work but are unable, leading to financial stress and a reduced personal identity. This case series illustrates how three patients with brain cancer returned to work after participating in a tailored three-phase occupational therapy intervention. Each patient improved their cognitive, physical, mobility, and work skills after completing a three-phase occupational therapy program using rehabilitation and compensatory interventions. Phase 1 focused on restoring self-care skills and teaching about workplace policies. In Phase 2, the patients developed skills that reflected their unique job demands. The occupational therapist provided return-to-work support during Phase 3. These findings provide preliminary support for occupational therapy's early involvement within the cancer-care continuum to support returning to work.