Return to work after stroke and related factors in Poland and abroad: A literature review

The incidence of stroke is growing in various parts of the world and the condition most commonly affects the adult population.

The purpose of the study is to provide a narrative review of papers published in the last 11 years in English and in Polish and focusing on demographic characteristics of individuals returning to work after stroke, return to work rates, length of time post stroke to return to work as well as health conditions, or personal and environmental factors associated with return to work after stroke. The study also presents the situation regarding return to work after stroke in Poland in comparison to other countries.

The narrative review covers Polish and foreign literature published between 2007 and 2018. The number of records initially identified through English databases search amounted to 4,912. Five records were additionally identified through other sources (Polish databases). Ultimately 26 (21 foreign, 5 Polish) refereed publications were selected to be reviewed in this study, based on their relevance in terms of specific inclusion/exclusion criteria.

The appraisal of Polish and English-language literature shows that stroke survivors' ability to return to work varies; in our country the rate being 43% and outside of Poland reaching the rate of 74.7%. Average time frames for return to work for stroke survivors include from 3 to 6 months, from 12 to 18 months and up to 3 years post stroke. One of the most frequently reported positive factors in the English-language literature is individually tailored vocational rehabilitation. There is a scarcity of studies related to return to work after stroke in Poland.

The findings from studies included in this narrative review may suggest a need to improve the situation in Poland with regard to measures related to return to work after stroke, including vocational rehabilitation which is insufficiently available in Poland.