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[Coronary intervention and occupational rehabilitation--a prospective, randomized intervention study]
1Städtische Kliniken Esslingen Fachbereich Kardiologie Hirschlandstr. 97 73730 Esslingen a.N., Germany. andreas.pfund@nikocity.de
Zeitschrift Fur Kardiologie
|October 27, 2001
Summary
Providing specific information to patients and doctors after coronary catheter revascularisation does not speed up return to work. Return-to-work delays appear linked to social and psychological factors, not information gaps.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Health Economics
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Coronary catheter revascularisation is cost-effective compared to bypass surgery, but prolonged sick leave increases indirect costs.
- Delayed return to work after coronary interventions significantly elevates indirect costs, often exceeding direct medical expenses.
- Current practices may not adequately address factors influencing patient reintegration into the workforce post-procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if providing specific information to patients and their family doctors accelerates return to work after coronary catheter revascularisation.
- To assess the impact of targeted information on reducing sick leave duration and improving return-to-work rates.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomised study involving 100 working patients undergoing coronary catheter revascularisation.
- Patients were allocated to either an intervention group (receiving specific information) or a control group (no specific information).
- Return-to-work rates and sick leave durations were compared between groups at four months post-procedure.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in return-to-work rates or sick leave duration between the intervention and control groups.
- Patients with private insurance returned to work significantly faster (mean sick leave 5.7 days) than those with panel insurance (mean sick leave 23.7 days).
- The study found no statistically significant effect of specific information on the time patients stayed out of work.
Conclusions:
- Specific information provided to patients and family doctors does not influence the time to return to work after coronary catheter revascularisation.
- Delayed return to work appears to be influenced by social and psychological factors rather than a lack of procedural information.
- Further research into social and psychological determinants of return-to-work is warranted for patients undergoing coronary interventions.