A randomized controlled trial of support group intervention after breast cancer treatment : Results on sick leave, health care utilization and health economy

• BackgroundMore than 50% of breast cancer patients are diagnosed before the age of 65.  Returning to work after treatment is, therefore, of interest for both the individual and society. The aim was to study the effect of support group intervention on sick leave and health care utilization in economic terms.Material and MethodsOf 382 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, 191 + 191 patients were randomized to an intervention group or to a routine control group respectively. The intervention group received support intervention on a residential basis for one week, followed by four days of follow-up two months later. The support intervention included informative-educational sections, relaxation training, mental visualization and non-verbal communication. Patients answered a questionnaire at baseline, 2, 6 and 12 months about sick leave and health care utilization.ResultThere was a trend towards longer sick leave and more health care utilization in the intervention group. The difference in total costs was statistically significantly higher in the intervention group after 12 months (p= 0.0036).Conclusion Costs to society were not reduced with intervention in its present form.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Support intervention

breast cancer

return to work

sick leave

health care utilization

health economy

Oncology

Onkologi

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)