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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
16:11
Implantation of the Syncardia Total Artificial Heart
Published on: July 18, 2014
Return to work after heart transplantation: discrepancy with subjective work ability.
Arnt V Kristen1, Kerstin Ammon, Achim Koch
1Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
Transplantation
|April 9, 2009
Summary
Return to work after heart transplantation (HTX) is lower than perceived ability, highlighting the need for psychosocial support. Factors like age and financial status influence employment post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Heart transplantation (HTX) recipients face challenges in returning to work.
- Objective return-to-work rates are often compared against subjective work capacity assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the objective return-to-work rate after heart transplantation.
- To compare objective employment data with patients' subjective work ability ratings.
- To identify predictors for successful return to work in heart transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to 200 heart transplant recipients 12 months post-transplant.
- Data collected included demographics, clinical details, and professional aspects.
- Response rate was 75% (150 participants).
Main Results:
- Only 36.8% of patients of working age were employed 12 months post-transplant.
- Subjective assessment showed 52.6% felt fit for employment, contrasting with objective rates.
- Employment predictors included age, unemployment duration, diabetes, and financial need.
Conclusions:
- Objective employment rates post-heart transplantation are significantly lower than subjective work capacity.
- Sociodemographic and psychological factors are crucial in the rehabilitation and return-to-work process for HTX recipients.
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