Employment support for patients with cancer: current practices and barriers—nationwide survey

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of involvement of physical therapists in employment support for patients with cancer, types of support they provide in practice and attributes of the patients they support. METHODS: This is a nationwide e-survey in Japan. A questionnaire was sent to 385 facilities of physical therapists affiliated with academic societies in Japan to investigate the status of involvement of physical therapists in employment support for patients with cancer. The attributes of the patients they support were surveyed. RESULTS: Responses were received from 105 of 385 facilities (27.3%). Employment support by physical therapists was implemented in 46 facilities (43.8% of responding facilities). Among the types of support provided, physical interventions were the most common (46 facilities), followed by psychoeducational interventions (7 facilities) and vocational interventions (5 facilities). Regarding the attributes of the patients, the proportion of adolescent and young adult patients with cancer receiving physical interventions in designated cancer care hospitals was significantly higher. Additionally, the barriers to physical therapist involvement in employment support for patients with cancer were staff shortages and the absence of a dedicated department. CONCLUSIONS: Only approximately 40% of Japanese physical therapists were involved in employment support among patients with cancer, centred on physical interventions. The further expansion of employment support provided by physical therapists in Japan is necessary.