Development and evaluation of a training program for occupational health nurses regarding support for workers with cancer and their workplaces

Objectives This study aimed to develop and evaluate a training program for occupational health nurses (OHNs) regarding support for workers with cancer and their workplaces. Methods Based on our prior research, we engaged in multiple discussions on the development of training program for OHNs. For examining the effectiveness of the developed training program, we collected and analyzed the data from three repeated surveys conducted before, immediately after, and 3 months after the training on self-confidence levels of the participants regarding 23 items associated with support for workers with cancer and their workplaces. Results We made a 3-hour training program including a lecture and a group work. First, we gave a lecture explaining the support scheme consisting of 4 parts and the 12 hints in action phrase while using the guidebook. Second, we conducted the group work regarding the case of a female worker diagnosed with breast cancer. Of the participants who supported workers with cancer in actuality during the 3-month post-training, 86% acknowledged the utility of the training in implementing support. As for the pre-post evaluation of the training program, most items of the participants' self-confidence significantly increased from pretraining to immediately after and 3 months post-training. Discussion This study demonstrated that the developed training program was effective in that the participants learned the support schemes and skills and gained self-confidence in implementing supports in real-work settings. We hope that this training program will be extensively used in the future, enabling OHNs to contribute toward balancing cancer treatment and work.