Feasibility of a guided workbook intervention for cancer patients

INTERVENTION: 60 participants in their first four weeks of treatment for either breast, bowel, gynaecological or urological cancer who intend to return to work will attend an introductory session. During this session they participate in an interview about their work history and job role, and are provided with information about both arms of the trial and what each would involve. Participants are then be randomised at a ratio of 1:1 into either: Control group: Participants in the control group receive usual care only for the duration of the study. They are asked to record any information or support they access during this time, and will receive monthly texts asking about their current work status. Participants in the control group will be offered the intervention at the end of the study. Intervention group: Participants in the intervention group are also asked to record any information and support they access during the duration of the study, and receive monthly texts asking about their current work status. They also receive the WorkPlan intervention: a 4‐week guided workbook consisting of structured sections to provide guidance and support to patients. It comprises activities aimed at eliciting thoughts/beliefs, identifying targets/actions and concrete steps to achieve goals. The workbook is used during the introductory session, at home during the intervention period and as a reminder during the return to work process. Participants in the intervention group receive email support and two telephone support calls during the four week intervention period to discuss progress. Participants in both arms of the trial are followed up for 12 months post‐randomisation, at 3 time points: 4 weeks post‐intervention, 6 months post‐randomisation and 12 months post‐randomisation. Data is collected using questionnaire packs and interviews. CONDITION: Topic: Cancer; Subtopic: Bladder Cancer, Breast Cancer, Gynaecological Cancer, Renal Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Testis Cancer; Disease: Breast, Cervix, Kidney, Ovary/Fallopian tube, Prostate, Testis, Uterus/Endometrium, Vulva ; Cancer PRIMARY OUTCOME: Time taken to return to work (number of days from the date they leave work to first period back at work).; Each month participants will receive a small number of text messages asking about their current work status (changes to their job, their job role, working hours, salary etc.) and healthcare utilisation. Any changes to working status or duties will be documented with specific reasons for non‐return to work. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Aged between 18 and 65 years 2. Proficient in written and spoken English 3. Diagnosis of breast, gynaecological, urological or bowel cancer 4. Working at time of diagnosis SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Anxiety is measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months follow up; 2. Depression is measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months follow up; 3. Impact of illness on work is measured using the Illness Perceptions at Work Scale at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months follow up; 4. Illness perceptions is measured using the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire Revised at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months follow up; 5. Self‐reported workability is measured using the Workability Index at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months follow up; 6. Job satisfaction (if returned to work) is measured using a Brief Job Satisfaction Scaleat baseline, 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months follow up; 7. Satisfaction with return to work process is measured using a single item (if returned to work)) at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months follow up; 8. Quality of life is measured using the ED‐Q5 questionnaire at baseline, 4 weeks, 6 and 12 months follow up