Current Return-to-Work Outcomes and Barriers Among Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Undergoing Cardiac...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients often lack visible disabilities post-discharge, complicating functional decline assessment.
• Identifying functional limitations and implementing workplace accommodations for CVD survivors is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate return-to-work (RTW) rates and identify barriers faced by cardiovascular disease patients after hospital discharge.
• To inform the development of better support systems for vocational reintegration.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to patients aged 18-64 who completed inpatient cardiac rehabilitation.
• Data were collected from patients discharged between January 2018 and March 2023.
• Respondents were categorized based on their return-to-work status: original job, different job, or no job.

Main Results:

• The overall return-to-work (RTW) rate was high at 96%, with 92% returning to their original job within 3 months.
• Despite successful RTW, 81% of patients reported significant anxiety related to physical exertion and workplace understanding.
• Physicians were the primary consulted professionals, with limited engagement of other healthcare providers for RTW advice.

Conclusions:

• While most cardiovascular disease patients achieve return-to-work, persistent anxiety highlights the need for improved workplace integration support.
• A structured vocational support system is crucial for proactively identifying at-risk individuals.
• Healthcare providers should offer comprehensive guidance to ensure sustainable RTW outcomes for CVD survivors.