14 September, 2022
Dr Naomi Algeo awarded support by the Irish Cancer Society to support adolescents and young adult cancer survivors to return to work and education
OT-led funded project from the Irish Cancer Society:
Dr. Naomi Algeo is a Senior Occupational Therapist (Cancer Services), St. James’ Hospital and sits on the WHO Development Group for Cancer Rehabilitation. She has been awarded the Irish Cancer Society Allied Health Professional Cancer Research Award alongside Academic Lead, Prof. Deirdre Connolly (Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin). Their study ‘Identifying support needs of adolescents and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors for successful return to education and/or work’ will commence later this year.
Education and career development has been cited in the NCCP (2022) Framework for the Care and Support of Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Cancer in Ireland as a specific issue that warrants attention for AYAs. This research will identify the specific physical, psychological and social health concerns that impact on reintegration into education and work post-cancer diagnosis, and explore age- and situation-appropriate supports required to facilitate successful return to education/work. It is envisaged that this research will inform the design and testing of education and work-specific rehabilitation interventions to support successful return to school and/or work and provide AYAs with skills and confidence to manage school and work activities following completion of their cancer treatment. St. James' Hospital has recently been named one of the three designated National AYA Cancer Units in Ireland.
Commenting on the award, Naomi said.
“2022 saw the launch of the first ever Framework for the Care and Support of AYAs with Cancer in Ireland as well as the announcement of three designated AYA cancer centres in Ireland. Education and employment reintegration for AYAs has also been identified by the NCCP and the Irish Cancer Society as an area that warrants attention, and is an area that Occupational Therapists lead in supporting. This research is therefore timely and well placed to inform the development of new important services for AYAs”
For further information, contact Naomi (nalgeo@stjames.ie)