Return to Work Following Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Procedures with an Approach to Patient's Viewpoints and Attitude

Objectives: To estimate the rate of return to work (RTW) after cardiac rehabilitation and determine the relationship between RTW and clinical and socio-demographic factors with an approach to patient's attitude Design: Prospective follow-up study Setting: Tehran Heart Center, Iran Subjects: Two hundred and forty six consecutive patients undergoing different types of cardiac procedures between May and September 2007 were studied. Intervention: A checklist was completed for patients according to medical history and physical examination recorded in medical files. A complementary interview was also carried out by phone. Main Outcome Measures: Rate of RTW after cardiac rehabilitation and the relationship between RTW and clinical and socio-demographic factors Results: Two groups were matched for gender, age, occupation type and the type of cardiac procedures. Rehabilitated patients in comparison with control group had higher rates of RTW three month (55.4 Vs 26.2%) and eight months (94.7 Vs 81.0%) after the time of cardiac rehabilitation. Positive attitude toward RTW was observed more in rehabilitated patients three month and eight months after cardiac procedures. Cardiac rehabilitation programs (OR: 3.507, p = 0.027), preoperative functional class (OR: 6.541, p < 0.001), experience of regular physical activity at home before RTW (OR: 3.836, p = 0.004) and job support programs (OR: 4.050, p = 0.022) were main predictors for RTW eight months after cardiac procedures. Conclusion: Patients undergoing cardiac procedures benefit from cardiac rehabilitation to preserve work status. The need for appropriate supportive protocols can guarantee RTW after cardiac rehabilitation and improve patients' attitude toward continuing their jobs.