Asian Oncol Nurs.  2019 Mar;19(1):37-46. 10.5388/aon.2019.19.1.37.

What Cancer Survivors are Discussing on the Internet About Returning to Work: A Social Network Analysis

• Bae KR
• Kwon S
• Cho J

• KMID: 2451720
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2019.19.1.37

Abstract

PURPOSE
The objective of this study was to identify needs and barriers that cancer patients experience with returning to work (RTW) by analyzing posts of the patients on the Internet.
METHODS
Posts of online communities of the cancer patients related to RTW were collected using key words from Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2017. PFNet and NodeXL were utilized to visualize intellectual interchanges of the keywords. Additional content analysis of the posts was then conducted to specify informational needs related to RTW.
RESULTS
There were 996 posts and 6394 responses related to RTW. A total of 163 and 129 keywords were found for posts and responses respectively. Posts were categorized into four groups by network analysis: 1) cancer diagnosis and treatment; 2) changing working status after cancer diagnosis; 3) concerns about RTW during cancer treatment; 4) balance of work and life after cancer. Responses were grouped into similar themes but most of them were empathetic or encouraging messages.
CONCLUSION
Cancer patients posted various concerns and needs in relation to RTW on the online communities. At the same time, they expressed difficulties to obtain information and resources about RTW both on and off line. Further studies would be necessary to develop appropriate intervention for helping cancer patients to return to work.

Keyword

Cancer Survivors; Return to Work; Communication; Social Networking

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Humans
Internet*
Return to Work
Social Networking
Survivors*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Keywords grouping results in the posts.

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  Fig. 2 Keywords grouping results in the responses.

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