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Work before and after coronary artery bypass grafting
1Post Office, UK.
The Journal of the Society of Occupational Medicine
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Most UK postal workers who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting returned to work, often within months. Many resumed normal work, indicating successful recovery and return to employment post-cardiac surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Occupational Health
- Socioeconomic Factors in Health
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a major surgical procedure for heart disease.
- Understanding post-operative return to work is crucial for patient well-being and economic impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the return-to-work rates and work capability of UK postal workers after their first CABG.
- To identify factors influencing the likelihood of returning to work and performing normally post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 79 male UK postal workers who had their first CABG in 1984-1985.
- Follow-up assessment of work status and capability at a median of 550 days post-surgery.
Main Results:
- 78% resumed work, with most returning within 2-6 months.
- At follow-up, 65% were working, 84% of them normally.
- Younger age and working until admission were associated with higher return-to-work likelihood.
- Previous myocardial infarction had minimal impact on return to work.
Conclusions:
- A significant majority of postal workers returned to work after CABG, with many achieving normal work capacity.
- Factors beyond physical job demands, such as motivational and socioeconomic elements, likely influence post-CABG return to work.