The experiences and perceptions of employers on cancer survivors returning to work: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

Employers play an important role in the return-to-work (RTW) of cancer survivors (CSs), and recently a substantial number of qualitative studies from the employers’ perspective have emerged. This meta-synthesis aims to systematically review these qualitative studies regarding employers’ experiences with CSs’ RTW.

Five electronic databases were searched from inception to January 2024 to identify the studies. Three researchers conducted quality assessment of included. Subsequent, we performed thematic integration of the included studies with the NVivo 11 software.

Thirteen qualitative studies were included, and 16 topics were finally extracted and summarized into seven categories to form three integrated themes: employers’ perspective on facilitators and obstacles for CSs’ RTW, employers’ response including negative emotion and positive behavior, and employers’ need resources from different aspects.

CSs’ RTW is influenced by many factors; the support employers need is also extensive and complex. Employers need more support beyond healthcare.