Objective: Few data exist about rates of return to work (RTW) and specific factors which help or hinder RTW after a cardiac event. Best Practice Guidelines highlight the important role of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs in facilitating RTW. We aimed to investigate the impact upon RTW of CR attendance and to explore associations between RTW and age, gender, and diagnosis (STEMI, non-STEMI or unstable angina).
Methods: 210 patients (M=51.6years, 88.1% male) in the workforce and consecutively admitted to hospital with acute coronary syndrome were interviewed in hospital about their attitudes and intentions regarding RTW. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. To date, 167 patients have been re-interviewed by telephone at 4-months and 182 at 12-months after hospital discharge.
Results: 74% patients had RTW by 4 months post-event and 81% by 12 months. At four months females were more likely than males to RTW (95% v. 70%, p=.013). RTW rates did not vary by age or diagnosis. Half the patients (51%) attended CR. Of those who attended CR, 48% stated that CR was helpful for RTW, 41% stated it was not, and 11% were unsure. Thematic analyses of qualitative data identified other perceived barriers and facilitators concerning RTW.
Conclusions: Many working patients do not perceive that CR facilitates their RTW. Our study points to the need for modifications to CR services so that workers are better supported to resume work after a cardiac event.