This study aimed to identify the requirements for implementing a virtual care programme for patients with chronic wounds. It was conducted in two consecutive phases: (1) scoping review, (2) descriptive qualitative study. In the first phase, texts published in English until 2024 were identified using international databases. Data analysis was carried out using textual content analysis. In the second phase, 12 participants from Iranian wound care clinics participated. Data were collected through focus group discussion and analysed using conventional content analysis. Integration of both phases was conducted in the data analysis stage. The most important requirements for the implementation of the virtual care programme for patients with chronic wounds were identified in five main categories, including providing a basic infrastructure for virtual care, changing users' views on acceptance, the presence of competent specialised wound therapists, the necessity of teamwork and interprofessional cooperation of specialists, and the existence of a suitable platform equipped with video conferencing software. The findings of this study provide good practical guidance for policymakers and health system decision-makers to develop and implement virtual care programmes in the wound and other health care domains.
The transition back to work after cancer is a significant milestone for many survivors, affecting their financial stability, psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Return-to-work (RTW) process is often complicated by lingering physical and cognitive impairments, changes in self-identity and workplace dynamics. Understanding how cancer survivors navigate this process is crucial for the development of effective support systems. This study aimed to explore strategies employed by cancer survivors in managing the RTW process.
This study employed a qualitative content analysis approach to explore RTW strategies used by cancer survivors.
The study was conducted at a referral cancer centre and the workplaces of cancer survivors located in East Azerbaijan, Iran.
A total of 22 cancer survivors were selected using purposive sampling. These participants had completed primary cancer treatment and had rich and diverse RTW-related experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and then analysed using the inductive content analysis approach described by Graneheim and Lundman (2004).
‘Active Strategies for Returning to Work’ constituted the main theme and consisted of three categories, including assessing the situation, self-accommodation and impressing the workplace.
Cancer survivors actively engaged in RTW. They evaluate their situations before returning to work, seek to accommodate themselves to their circumstances and impress their workplaces to gain the necessary support. Healthcare providers, employers and families, as the most influential parties in the RTW process of cancer survivors, should recognise survivors’ positive strategies and provide informational, financial, emotional and occupational support.