Helping employees with cancer return to work by supporting their employers

Effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness, and Return on Investment of the Web-based MiLES Intervention Targeted at Employers, to Enhance Successful Return to Work of Employees With Cancer

This study tests a new program that helps employers support employees with cancer in returning to work successfully.

Quick facts

• Phase: PHASE2; PHASE3
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 140 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) (other)
• Locations: 5 sites (Arnhem and 4 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06672887 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the MiLES intervention, which provides employers with resources and support to facilitate the successful return to work (RTW) of employees diagnosed with cancer. The study includes 140 employer-employee dyads, with participants randomly assigned to either receive the MiLES intervention or standard care. The primary outcome is the successful RTW of employees, while secondary outcomes assess quality of life, work-related support, and employer satisfaction. Data will be collected through questionnaires at multiple follow-up points over a year.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are employees aged 18-65 who have been diagnosed with cancer within the last two years and are currently on sick leave.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently employed or those who have applied for invalidity benefits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the return to work rates and quality of life for employees with cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in supporting cancer survivors' return to work, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria employees with cancer:

* Diagnosed with cancer \<2 years earlier;
* Being of working age (between 18-65 years, considering the Dutch retirement age of 67 years, and the study's follow-up period of one year);
* In paid employment with an employer;
* Having either an occupational physician at the involved occupational health service or a reintegration consultant at the involved reintegration service (e.g. working for an organization that is affiliated with one of the settings of this study);
* Currently fully or partly sick-listed (\<2 years);
* Able to understand and read Dutch for filling out questionnaires;
* Having already informed their employer about their diagnosis of cancer, or intending to do so;
* Not yet applied or planning to apply for an invalidity benefit under the WIA.

Inclusion criteria employers:

* Supports and guides the participating employee with cancer during the period of sick leave and RTW. For example, as the direct supervisor or HR-manager;
* Able to understand and read Dutch to be able to use the MiLES intervention and for filling out questionnaires;
* Not yet familiar with the MiLES intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

\- Employees with cancer and their employers must participate as a dyad. If one party in the dyad is unable or unwilling to participate, the other party cannot participate either.

Where this trial is running

Arnhem and 4 other locations

• Arbo Unie — Arnhem, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
• Arbo Unie — Dordrecht, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
• Arbo Unie — Hengelo, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
• Re-turn — Utrecht, Netherlands (RECRUITING)
• Arbo Unie — Zeeland, Netherlands (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sietske Tamminga, PhD — Amsterdam UMC, location AMC
• Study coordinator: Judith Mollet, MSc

Conditions: Cancer, Neoplasm, Cancer survivor, Employee with cancer, Employer, Return to work, Employment, Manager