Adaptation and First Step Validation of the ICF Core Set for Vocational Rehabilitation for Cancer Survivors

Starting from the CS-VR, this study aims to define the CS-VR-Onco, an ICF core set consistent with cancer survivors' needs.

CS-VR-Onco will guide professionals in:

• comprehensively assessing work functioning
• identifying the areas of work functioning in which the VR intervention is relevant
• identifying patients who would benefit most from VR
• measuring work functioning pre-post VR

This sequential exploratory design involves multiple phases of qualitative (phase 1) and quantitative (phase 2) data collection.

Qualitative_phase 1, To adapt the CS-VR: 1.a_Focus groups (FGs) will be organized with CSs selected from the UNAMANO project (NCT03666936), the Cancer Registry of Reggio Emilia, the General Practitioners of the province of Reggio Emilia and the voluntary non-profit associations of cancer patients. During the FGs, we will ask participants to name and reflect on barriers and facilitators influencing their RTW process. Further, the FGs will address those ICF components from which the CS-VR categories were extracted. 1.b_Consensus-based approach with a sample of stakeholders of the RTW process. We will integrate evidence gathered from phase 1.a and the literature to develop the minimum standard for the assessment of work functioning in this population (CS-VR-Onco).

Quantitative_phase 2, To validate the CS-VR-Onco: 2.a_Cross-sectional survey of CSs extracted from the Cancer Registry of Reggio Emilia. Through a guided interview based on the categories of the CS-VR-Onco, we will ask participants to report their work difficulties. 2.b_Longitudinal study on cancer patients recently diagnosed with cancer referred to UNAMANO project for VR. Before and after the VR, CS-VR-Onco will be administer to identify patients' needs. Additionally, participants will be assessed with valid measurement tools (when present) pertinent to the CS-VR-Onco categories identified.

• Inclusion Criteria:

• cancer diagnosis
• CSs employed at diagnosis

Exclusion criteria

• comorbidities that limit communication or collaboration (i.e., aphasia, dementia, etc.)
• non-melanoma skin cancer
• Inclusion Criteria: Stakeholders who handle the RTW process: healthcare professionals, social workers, CSs, caregivers, employers, nonprofit associations, vocational counsellors, etc.