[Returning to work after an acute coronary syndrome: When waiting is wasting].

BACKGROUND

Return to work (RTW) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an important issue for the patient's future.

AIMS: The study aim was to determine whether RTW practice complies with guidelines or is delayed by failure in patient management. We analysed the factors influencing RTW beyond the 90-day period recommended by guidelines.

METHODS

We conducted a survey of 216 self-employed workers admitted to the hospital for ACS using self-report questionnaires and medical examination. Factors influencing RTW, occupational and cardiac features, and recall and source of medical information were investigated.

RESULTS

Ninety-three of 216 patients did not return to work by 90 days, despite good cardiac performance in 30 cases (32 %). The mean sick leave duration was 93.3±103.7 days. Advice concerning return to work was completely missing for 44 % of patients. Cardiac performance was independent of sick leave duration, but was correlated with the likelihood of RTW (P<0.001). Patients assimilated about 70 % of the medical information they were provided, but only 53 % of work-related information. Recall of work-related information was better among patients admitted to a rehabilitation facility (65 %) compared to those who did not receive rehabilitation (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cardiologists should assess the patient's cardiac performance within 2 months after ACS. Patient management should also include cardiac rehabilitation or therapeutic education toward improving information recall.