[Barriers to professional activity among people with cardiovascular diseases]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Medicine
• Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a major public health concern, leading to significant healthcare costs, absenteeism, and work incapacity.
• CVD are a leading cause of disability in Poland, creating substantial medical, social, and economic burdens.
• Low occupational activity among working-age individuals with CVD necessitates targeted interventions for professional activation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of occupational health services (OHS) physicians in the professional activation of individuals with CVD.
• To address the medically unjustified avoidance of work by disabled employees with CVD.
• To advocate for educational initiatives for OHS physicians and patients to facilitate continued or resumed employment for individuals with CVD.

Main Methods:

• Review of the medical, social, and economic impact of cardiovascular diseases on the workforce.
• Analysis of factors contributing to the underestimation of work capacity in patients with CVD.
• Identification of knowledge gaps among OHS physicians regarding jurisprudence and patient management.

Main Results:

• Decisions to exclude workers with CVD from professional activity are often medically unfounded.
• Lack of knowledge and fear among physicians and patients contribute to unnecessary work limitations.
• There is a clear need for targeted educational programs to improve management and support for working individuals with CVD.

Conclusions:

• Occupational health services physicians are pivotal in promoting the professional activation of individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
• Educational interventions are essential to equip OHS physicians and patients with the knowledge to overcome barriers to employment.
• Facilitating the return to or continuation of work for patients with CVD can mitigate their medical, social, and economic impact.