[Reintegration to work in persons having survived a myocardial infarction: current review and ways of development for...

The main purpose of this article is to update the state of knowledge regarding work reintegration following myocardial infarction. Occupational perspectives have greatly evolved during the second half of this century. This can be attributed mainly to a better understanding of the pathology itself and to a development of new therapeutic avenues which are part of a more global vision of the bio-psycho-social characteristics of the patient. The authors did not intend to realize an extensive review of the literature on the subject, but analysed the most significant articles published over the past 20 years. They were selected because of their frequent citation on the scientific literature which seems to confirm their significance and credibility. Following the analysis of the articles selected, the authors conclude that the scientific community has reached a consensus to the effect that the general evolution of the patient post myocardial infarction is greatly determined by psychosocial factors. It follows that comprehensive rehabilitation programs despite their limited impact in an experimental setting offer some stimulating perspectives. They suggest that some research effort be oriented towards the evaluation of the actual long term outcomes of rehabilitative programs especially on quality of life in general and on quality of life at work more specifically.