Employment Support After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Purpose

This is a feasibility study of a Work Support (WorkS) intervention designed to ameliorate employment challenges for people preparing to return to work after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The aim of this study is to evaluate "proof of concept" by: 1. examining the feasibility and acceptability of the WorkS intervention and the study procedures, and 2. exploring the preliminary effects of WorkS for improving patient-reported return-to-work self-efficacy, work status, quality of life, and financial toxicity.

Condition

  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 18 Years and 70 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Received an allogeneic HSCT within the past six months to treat a hematological malignancy. - Screen positive for work-related concerns (i.e., responds "yes" to the question, "Are you concerned about your ability to return to work in the coming six months?")

Exclusion Criteria

  • Patients with acute psychiatric or cognitive conditions which the treating clinician believes prohibits informed consent or compliance with the study procedures - We will not enroll the following special populations: adults unable to consent, individuals not yet adults, pregnant women, and prisoners.

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Intervention Model Description
A single arm proof-of-concept trial with up to 35 HSCT survivors reporting employment concerns.
Primary Purpose
Supportive Care
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Work Support Intervention 		This is a single arm proof-of-concept trial with up to 35 HSCT recipients reporting employment concerns. We will refine and preliminarily evaluate a Work Support (WorkS) self-management intervention designed to catalyze return-to-work self-efficacy.
  • Behavioral: Work Support (WorkS)
    The WorkS intervention entails two structured visits with a research team member initiated 6-months post-HSCT, which is the earliest point at which most HSCT survivors can safely consider returning to work. The sessions are focused on 1) identifying challenges of navigating work and illness; 2) linking survivors with psychological, rehabilitative, governmental, and community resources that can promote recovery and well-being; and 3) communicating with employers regarding the necessary work modifications to achieve mutual goals.

Recruiting Locations

MGH Cancer Center
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Contact:
Sheel Singh, MA
(617) 398-7608
ssingh@mghihp.edu

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
MGH Institute of Health Professions

Study Contact

Kathleen Lyons, ScD, OTR/L
614-643-5372
klyons2@mghihp.edu

Detailed Description

Participants will be recruited from MGH Cancer Center. The intervention will be delivered at MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP) and investigators at MGH IHP will be involved in recruiting participants and collecting/managing data. Participants will be enrolled in the study for approximately six months following the schedule below: - Enrollment into study: HSCT recipients will be recruited into the study approximately six months post HSCT (+/- one month). - Baseline assessment: To be completed within 3 weeks of completing informed consent. - WorkS Appointment #1 and #2: To be completed within a 2-month period after completing the baseline assessment. Ideally, the appointments will be approximately one month apart, but can be timed whenever in the 2-month window that is preferred by the participant. - Exit assessment: To be completed within 3 weeks of completing Appointment 2. - Final assessment: Return to work status at 12 months post HSCT (+/- three weeks)