Developing an instrument to measure the quality of social work cancer counseling regarding return to work — psychometric properties of the German Quality of Cancer Counseling Questionnaire-Return to Work (QCCQ-W)

Purpose: Counseling by social workers can be of great relevance supporting cancer survivors with their psychosocial challenges such as returning to work. However, an instrument for assessing the quality between social worker and client in the cancer counseling setting regarding return to work is not yet available. This study was carried out to develop and validate an instrument for this purpose. Methods: A questionnaire was developed in collaboration with cancer counseling experts. Data collection took place in 19 outpatient cancer counseling centers in Germany. Cancer survivors seeking advice regarding their occupational situation were asked to complete the questionnaire 3 months after starting counseling. Exploratory factor analysis (n = 229) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 216) in two distinct samples, as well as validity and reliability tests, were performed. Results: Exploratory factor analysis suggested a two-component solution. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed this solution, with a satisfactory model fit (CFI = 0.995, RMSEA = 0.049, SRMSR = 0.036). The components identified included six items with three items each and were termed “1. relationship building” and “2. competent support.” The components had good internal consistency (Cronbach’s a between 0.84 and 0.92) and test–retest reliability (1. r(30) = 0.49, p = 0.005, 2. r(30) = 0.89, p < 0.001). Significant correlations with other constructs measuring satisfaction with counseling and its usefulness indicated moderate to good construct validity (r between 0.36 and 0.77, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The questionnaire developed shows satisfactory psychometric properties. It is an evaluation tool specific for cancer counseling regarding return to, since it will initially be used to evaluate an intensified program for supporting cancer survivors returning to work after treatment. It may also be tested as an instrument for quality assurance and management in general cancer counseling in the future.