Work status of individuals with advanced cancer

Abigail Terhaar, Ju Whei Lee, Amye Tevaarwerk, Mary Sesto, Douglas Wiegmann, Michael Fisch

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Lengthening survival times for advanced cancer patients emphasizes the importance of continuing to work after diagnosis. Information and tools are necessary to help these individuals remain working. Before we can develop interventions, we must understand how advanced cancer affects employment. We analyzed Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group's (ECOG) "Symptom Outcomes and Practice Patterns (SOAPP)" study to investigate what factors were associated with employment of 680 advanced cancer patients. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare patients identified as stably working (Group A) to patients no longer working (Group B). Improving ECOG performance status, race/ethnicity, receiving hormonal treatment, and decreasing symptom interference were significantly associated with continuing to work. Human factors engineers (HFEs) can help create strategies to mitigate some physical and cognitive workloads that result in work interference. The HFE's role should increase as the number of advanced cancer patients working rises.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2014 International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014
PublisherHuman Factors an Ergonomics Society Inc.
Pages649-653
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9780945289456
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event58th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014 - Chicago, United States
Duration: Oct 27 2014Oct 31 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Volume2014-January
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Conference

Conference58th International Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period10/27/1410/31/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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