{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Implementing Indicators and Trajectories of Return to Work After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Mixed-Methods Study Using the French National Healthcare Insurance Database and Stakeholder Consultation.
{Author}: Varnier R;Moskal A;Bodelet C;Péron J;Lamort-Bouché M;Fassier JB;Dima AL;Viprey M;
{Journal}: Clin Breast Cancer
{Volume}: 24
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Aug 7
{Factor}: 3.078
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.clbc.2024.04.004
{Abstract}: OBJECTIVE: Return to work (RTW) is important for quality of life after breast cancer but its analysis at the population-level remains limited in France. This study aimed to implement Electronic Healthcare Data (EHD)-based indicators and trajectories to measure RTW after breast cancer diagnosis, and to examine stakeholders' perspectives regarding these indicators.
METHODS: We followed a mixed-methods approach that consisted of (i) implementing RTW indicators and identifying clusters of trajectories using state sequence analysis with data from a representative sample of the French National Health Data System and (ii) exploring, through qualitative focus group and interviews, stakeholders' perceptions on the interpretation, limitations, and utility of these indicators.
RESULTS: We extracted data from 317 women aged 25-55 years with a first diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer. The median number of sickness absence periods was 2 for a total of 434 days during the 3-year follow-up, and the median time to sustainable RTW was 240 days. Three clusters of RTW trajectories were identified: "early RTW" (49.5% of the population), "RTW after partial resumption" (37.5%) and "continuous compensation" (12.9%). Feedback from stakeholders highlighted the multi-factorial nature of RTW and underscored the added value of EHD for studying RTW, despite certain limitations.
CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility of calculating RTW indicators and identifying trajectories using the French National Health Data System. These indicators can serve as outcome measures in RTW promotion and provide a basis for designing targeted interventions for breast cancer survivors.