Employed cancer survivors develop a peer-support intervention to improve social connections: a participatory design study.

INTRODUCTION

Among the 4.3 million working-age breast cancer survivors in the U.S., employment offers financial stability, purpose, and normalcy. However, many face barriers that hinder workforce participation, including social disconnection. Using a participatory intervention design approach that directly engages survivors, this study aimed to identify root causes of disconnection and prioritize solutions to support psychosocial wellbeing and work retention.

METHODS

This study recruited six employed breast cancer survivors for a design team that used the Intervention Design and Analysis Scorecard's (IDEAS) Steps 1-5 to develop and prioritize intervention options. The team, facilitated by university researchers, met for seven 1-h sessions. Qualitative data from IDEAS worksheets and meeting notes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Survivors identified three causes of social disconnection: (1) changes in self-concept and worldview, (2) symptom-related social withdrawal, and (3) unsupportive responses from others. The team developed and evaluated three intervention models, considering scope, effectiveness, resources, and barriers. An intervention including written materials, a website, a peer-led support group, and a social media forum, was prioritized as the most feasible and impactful option. A follow-up study will pilot-test the intervention to assess effects on wellbeing and work outcomes.

DISCUSSION: The team prioritized a multi-component intervention to foster connection and work engagement primarily targeting individual and interpersonal factors rather than workplace-level factors, likely reflecting the absence of a common employer. Findings highlight social connection as a modifiable target and support further intervention development and pilot-testing, with attention to accessibility and relevance across diverse survivor populations through cultural, economic, and structural adaptations.