A multidisciplinary intervention to support return to work of individuals with breast cancer: a prospective feasibility study

Abstract Purpose Work participation is one of the aims of cancer rehabilitation for individuals with breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to verify the feasibility of a multidisciplinary intervention addressing the work-related difficulties of working-age individuals with BC. Methods In this prospective feasibility study, employed individuals with BC who reported work-related difficulties were eligible. Participants were assessed at baseline (T0), 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 12 months (T4) after baseline. The feasibility of the intervention was determined by calculating the percentages of eligibility, recruitment, dropout, adherence to and satisfaction with the support received, and return to work. Results Among 85 individuals, 32 (37.6%; 95% CI 27.4%–48.8%) met the eligibility criteria and were invited to participate, of whom 50% (95% CI 31.9%–68.1%) accepted. The highest dropout percentage was at T1 (12.5%; 95% CI 1.6%–38.3%). Adherence to the intervention was high throughout the study, with the highest percentage recorded at T1 (92.3%; 95% CI 64.0%–99.8%). At T4, all participants were satisfied with the intervention received. At T4, 10 participants out of 11 (95% CI 58.7%–99.8%) had achieved work reintegration. Occupational therapy was the most frequent intervention offered. Conclusion This study offers valuable insights into the feasibility of complex interventions. The multidisciplinary intervention was tailored to individual needs, and it seemed feasible as it was proposed. By supporting individuals with BC facing work-related difficulties, these findings may inform the design of appropriate interventions, especially in terms of recruitment strategies, intervention characteristics, and appointment scheduling. Trial registration ClinicalTrail.gov (ID NCT05309265, Registration date 25/03/2022)