Work-related self-report measures and assessment tools in cancer survivorship: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose: To systematically review and appraise studies examining self-report questionnaires measuring work-related aspects in cancer patients. Method: Literature search methodology: Searches in Embase, PsycINFO, PSYNDEXplus, PSYNDEXplus Tests and PubMed for the period 1990–2011 were completed. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) the questionnaire measures work-related aspects; (ii) the questionnaire has been used in at least one study, which involved cancer patient as a relevant target group; and (iii) articles were written in English or German. Results: Twenty-two articles out of 350 records were reviewed and 13 questionnaires identified. The majority of measures cover several dimensions of work-related aspects representing a variety of work-related experiences and constructs such as aspects of the work environment, demands at work and work-related interpersonal relations. Nine of the 13 questionnaires showed good internal consistency whereas subscales of four instruments had fair or poor internal consistency. For 12 out of 13 measures, validity and reliability were tested in non-cancer populations. Conclusions: The knowledge about reliability and validity of self-report questionnaires measuring work-related aspects in cancer patients is scarce and more high-quality validation studies are needed. Findings further emphasize the need for the development of valid multidimensional measures that are relevant for both research and rehabilitative occupational interventions.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Cancer and cancer treatments can lead to a variety of disabling physical and psychosocial consequences and may also increase the risk for occupational and work-related problems.

• Valid and reliable measures are needed to evaluate specific work-related impairments, problems and rehabilitation needs as well as rehabilitative programs in cancer patients.

• Available measures cover a large variety of work-related aspects that can add useful information for rehabilitation requirements to address particular occupational needs of cancer patients.

Keywords::

• Cancer
• survivor
• employment
• measure
• assessment

Declaration of Interest: The authors confirm that there is no actual or potential conflict of interest regarding the manuscript “Work-related self-report measures in cancer survivorship: A systematic literature review”. This research has been supported by a grant from the Deutsche José Carreras Leukämie-Stiftung e.V. (grant number: DJCLS R10/39p). The Psycho-Oncological and Palliative Care Research Group at the Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, is funded by grants from the Fritz und Hildegard Berg-Stiftung and the Stiftung Wissenschaft Hamburg within the Donors’ Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany.