Asian Oncology Nursing (종양간호연구)

Korean Oncology Nursing Society (대한종양간호학회)
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What Cancer Survivors are Discussing on the Internet About Returning to Work: A Social Network Analysis

온라인 커뮤니티 게시글의 네트워크 분석을 통한 암 환자 직장복귀 경험 연구

  • Bae, Ka Ryeong (Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University) ;
  • Kwon, Sunyoung (Department of Library and Information Science, Hannam University) ;
  • Cho, Juhee (Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University)
  • 배가령 (성균관대학교 삼성융합의과학원) ;
  • 권선영 (한남대학교 문헌정보학과) ;
  • 조주희 (성균관대학교 삼성융합의과학원)
  • Published : 20190000
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Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify needs and barriers that cancer patients experience with returning to work (RTW) by analyzing posts of the patients on the Internet. Methods: Posts of online communities of the cancer patients related to RTW were collected using key words from Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2017. PFNet and NodeXL were utilized to visualize intellectual interchanges of the keywords. Additional content analysis of the posts was then conducted to specify informational needs related to RTW. Results: There were 996 posts and 6394 responses related to RTW. A total of 163 and 129 keywords were found for posts and responses respectively. Posts were categorized into four groups by network analysis: 1) cancer diagnosis and treatment; 2) changing working status after cancer diagnosis; 3) concerns about RTW during cancer treatment; 4) balance of work and life after cancer. Responses were grouped into similar themes but most of them were empathetic or encouraging messages. Conclusion: Cancer patients posted various concerns and needs in relation to RTW on the online communities. At the same time, they expressed difficulties to obtain information and resources about RTW both on and off line. Further studies would be necessary to develop appropriate intervention for helping cancer patients to return to work.

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Acknowledgement

This study was supported by a grant from the National *R&D Program for Cancer Control, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (No. 1720220).