Pilot implementation of MiLES: a web-based intervention targeted at managers with the aim of enhancing the successful return to work of employees with cancer

Authors

  • M. A. Berkhout a Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; b Department of Nursing Studies, University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
  • S. J. Tamminga a Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; c Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • A. G. E. M. de Boer a Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; c Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; d Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer treatment and Quality of life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • C. S. Dewa e Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
  • A. de Jong b Department of Nursing Studies, University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
  • A. E. de Rijk f Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Primary Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
  • M. A. Greidanus a Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; c Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Societal Participation and Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1080/0284186X.2023.2238886

Keywords:

Cancer survivor, return to work, intervention, implementation, manager

Abstract

Background

MiLES is a web-based intervention targeted at managers with the aim of enhancing the successful return to work (RTW) of employees with cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to and facilitators of implementing MiLES in organizations, from a manager’s perspective.

Material and Methods

MiLES was implemented as a pilot in four organizations for six weeks. Sixteen managers were included, of which fourteen were interviewed regarding their perceived barriers to and facilitators of implementation of MiLES in their organization. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed with content analysis.

Results

The managers experienced barriers to and facilitators of implementation related to: (1) implementation responsibilities, (2) the intervention’s content, and (3) organizational characteristics. Regarding implementation responsibilities, management board approval and an organizational infrastructure with distinct described implementation responsibilities were perceived as facilitators. Regarding the intervention’s content, its accessibility, user-friendliness and completeness were perceived as facilitators. If the content did not meet the manager’s specific needs, this was perceived as a barrier. Regarding organizational characteristics, several intangible (e.g., added value of MiLES within different organizations) and tangible (e.g., integration into absenteeism registration) organizational characteristics were perceived as facilitators. The absence of a quiet place to use MiLES was perceived as barrier.

Conclusion

Implementation of MiLES in organizations may benefit from an infrastructure within the organization that defines responsibilities regarding intervention delivery to managers of employees with cancer. Such an infrastructure should be aligned to existing organizational structures. As per interviewed managers, MiLES has added value in diverse organizations.

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Published

2023-07-03

How to Cite

Berkhout, M. A., Tamminga, S. J., de Boer, A. G. E. M., Dewa, C. S., de Jong, A., de Rijk, A. E., & Greidanus, M. A. (2023). Pilot implementation of MiLES: a web-based intervention targeted at managers with the aim of enhancing the successful return to work of employees with cancer. Acta Oncologica, 62(7), 765–773. https://doi.org/10.1080/0284186X.2023.2238886

Issue

Vol. 62 No. 7 (2023): Acta Oncologica

Section

Articles