Impact of gender, co-morbidity and social factors on labour market affiliation after first admission for acute coronary syndrome. A cohort study of Danish patients 2001-2009

Self-reported mental and physical health is associated with not returning to work in patients with ischemic heart disease

BACKGROUND

Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) can lead to prolonged sick leave and loss of ability to work. This study aimed to describe non-return to work (non-RTW) across three IHD subgroups at 3 and at 12 months post discharge, and explore whether baseline characteristics, and patient-reported mental and physical health were associated with work detachment.

METHODS

Data from the national cohort study DenHeart were used, including the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) Short-Form 12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and HeartQoL measured at discharge and register-based follow-up at 3 and at 12 months. A total of 3873 patients with IHD ≤ 63 years old and part of the workforce prior to hospitalisation, were included in the analyses and divided into three groups: chronic IHD/stable angina, non-STEMI (non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)/unstable angina and STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). A composite outcome of 'prolonged sick leave' and/or 'left the workforce' was defined as non-return to work (non-RTW). Adjusted logistic regression models were performed.

RESULTS

Overall, the frequency of non-RTW was 37.7% and 38.0% at 3 and 12 months, respectively, thus not improving with time. The largest proportion of non-RTW was found in STEMI patients, followed by non-STEMI/unstable angina and IHD/stable angina patients. Several clinical and socio-demographic factors, as well as patient-reported mental and physical health were associated with non-RTW among the subgroups.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate a need for identifying IHD patients at risk of non-RTW after discharge based on their mental and physical health and a need for initiatives to minimize unwanted non-RTW.

Workforce affiliation in primary and secondary prevention implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients: a nationwide Danish study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There are a paucity of studies investigating workforce affiliation in connection with first-time implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)-implantation. This study explored workforce affiliation and risk markers associated with not returning to work in patients with ICDs.

METHODS

Using the nationwide Danish registers, patients with a first-time ICD-implantation between 2007 and 2017 and of working age (30-65 years) were identified. Descriptive statistic and logistic regression models were used to describe workforce affiliation and to estimate risk markers associated with not returning to work, respectively. All analyses were stratified by indication for implantation (primary and secondary prevention).

RESULTS

Of the 4659 ICD-patients of working age, 3300 patients (71%) were members of the workforce (employed, on sick leave or unemployed) (primary: 1428 (43%); secondary:1872 (57%)). At baseline, 842 primary and 1477 secondary prevention ICD-patients were employed. Of those employed at baseline, 81% primary and 75% secondary prevention ICD-patients returned to work within 1 year, whereof more than 80% remained employed the following year. Among patients receiving sick leave benefits at baseline, 25% were employed after 1 year. Risk markers of not returning to work were 'younger age' in primary prevention ICD-patients, while 'female sex', left ventricular ejection fraction 'LVEF ≤40', 'lower income', and '≥3 comorbidities' were risk markers in secondary prevention ICD-patients. Lower educational level was a risk marker in both patient groups.

CONCLUSION

High return-to-work proportions following ICD-implantation, with a subsequent high level of employment maintenance were found. Several significant risk markers of not returning to work were identified including 'lower educational level' that posed a risk in both patient groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Capital Region of Denmark, P-2019-051.

Time-Dependent Risk for Recurrence in Survivors of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of the population with a history of an occlusive cardiovascular event has been increasing in recent years, which means that a large number of patients will have a higher risk of presenting a fatal recurrence. The aim is to determine variables associated with time-to-recurrent cardiovascular events and analyze how changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels during follow-up may be associated with this time-to-event.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective observational cohort study of 727 adults with a history of at least one occlusive cardiovascular event recruited at a referral hospital in northeastern Colombia. Data from a follow-up period of a maximum of 33 months (median 26 months) (one death) were used to define how clinical and sociodemographic variables impact the recurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Analyses were performed based on proportional hazard models and time-dependent hazard models.

RESULTS

Upon enrollment, 215 (30%) of the participants reported experiencing their most recent cardiovascular event within the preceding year. After two years, the recurrence rate was 12.38% (90/727). The risk of recurrence before two years was 3.9% (95% CI 2.7-5.6). In the multiple models, the presence of severe depression gives a Hazard Ratio of 8.25 (95% CI 2.98-22.86) and LDL ≥120 md/dl Hazard Ratio of 2.12 (95% CI 1.2 -3.9). It was found that LDL >120 mg/dl maintained over time increases the chances of recurrence by 1.7% (Hazard Ratio: 1.017, 95% CI 0.008-0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study allows us to identify a profile of patients who should be treated promptly in an interdisciplinary manner to avoid recurrences of coronary events.

Prevalence and determinants of return to work after various coronary events: meta-analysis of prospective studies

Return to work (RTW) after a coronary event remains a major concern. This systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies published between January 1988 and August 2020, aim to evaluate the prevalence of RTW after a coronary event (myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, angina pectoris) and to assess the determinants of RTW (such as follow-up duration, date of recruitment, country, gender, occupational factors, etc.). PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Random-effects models were carried out to determine pooled prevalence estimates and 95% confident interval. A total of 43 prospective studies (34,964 patients) were investigated. RTW overall random effects pooled prevalence was estimated at 81.1% [95% CI 75.8–85.8]. Country, year of implementation or gender did not significantly modify the prevalence estimates. Lower level of education and degraded left ventricular ejection fraction decreased RTW prevalence estimates (respectively, 76.1% vs 85.6% and 65.3% vs 77.8%). RTW prevalence estimates were higher for white-collars (81.2% vs 65.0% for blue-collars) and people with low physical workload (78.3% vs 64.1% for elevated physical workload).Occupational physical constraints seem to have a negative role in RTW while psycho-logical factors at work are insufficiently investigated. A better understanding of the real-life working conditions influencing RTW would be useful to maintain coronary patients in the labor market.

Profiling Bispebjerg Acute Cohort: Database Formation, Acute Contact Characteristics of a Metropolitan Hospital, and Comparisons to Urban and Rural Hospitals in Denmark

Purpose

To present a metropolitan cohort, Bispebjerg acute cohort (BAC), and compare patient characteristics and outcomes with patients from urban and rural hospitals in Denmark.

Patients and Methods

We linked data from seven Danish nationwide registries and included all acute contacts to non-psychiatric hospitals in the years 2016–2018. Acute hospital contacts to Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital constituted BAC, representing a solely metropolitan/urban catchment area. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared to the rest of Denmark in an urban cohort (UrC) and a rural cohort (RuC), stratified by visit and hospitalization contact types.

Results

We identified 4,063,420 acute hospital contacts in Denmark and BAC constituted 8.4% (n=343,200) of them. BAC had a higher proportion of visits (65.1%) compared with UrC (52.1%) and RuC (45.3%). Patients in BAC more often lived alone (visits: BAC: 34.8%, UrC: 30.6%, RuC: 29.2%; hospitalizations: BAC: 50.8%, UrC: 36.7%, RuC: 37.2%) and had temporary CPR number (visits: BAC: 4.4%, UrC: 1.9%, RuC: 1.6%; hospitalizations: BAC: 1.5%, UrC: 0.9%, RuC: 0.8%). Visit patients in BAC were younger (BAC: 36, UrC: 42, RuC: 45 years, median), more often students (BAC: 18.0%, UrC: 14.0%, RuC: 12.5%), and had more contacts due to infectious diseases (BAC: 19.8%, UrC: 14.1%, RuC: 6.2%) but less due to injuries (BAC: 40.0%, UrC: 43.8%, RuC: 60.7%). Hospitalized patients in BAC had higher median age (BAC: 64, UrC: 61, RuC: 64 years) and fewer were in employment than in UrC (BAC: 26.1%, UrC: 32.1%, RuC: 28.1%). BAC Hospitalizations had a lower death rate within 30 days than in RuC (BAC: 3.0% [2.9–3.1%], UrC: 3.1% [3.0–3.1%], RuC: 3.4% [3.3–3.4%]), but a higher readmission-rate (BAC: 20.5% [20.3–20.8%], UrC: 17.3% [17.2–17.4%], RuC: 17.5% [17.5–17.6%]).

Conclusion

Significant differences between BAC, urban, and rural cohorts may be explained by differences in healthcare structure and sociodemographics of the catchment areas.

Patient-reported outcomes, clinical, and demographic variables as predictors of withdrawal from the workforce after hospitalization with heart failure: findings from the national DenHeart survey

AIMS 

Increased prevalence and survival among patients with heart failure draws attention to their everyday life, including their ability to work. Many patients with heart failure withdraw from the workforce, which can affect their quality of life. The aim was to investigate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical and demographic variables as predictors of withdrawal from the workforce after admission with a diagnose of heart failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS 

Patients with heart failure, who were part of the workforce at admission were included from the national cross-sectional survey, DenHeart. Data were collected from five national heart centres in Denmark, from April 2013 to April 2014. Patient-reported outcomes measured at discharge included SF-12, HeartQoL, HADS, and ESAS. Clinical and demographic variables were obtained from registers, medical records, and index hospitalization. Patient-reported outcomes, clinical, and demographic variables were combined with labour market affiliation 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after admission. The response rate was 49.1% (n = 1517) and of those 364 patients were part of the workforce at index admission. Patients with lower QoL odds ratio (OR) 2.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-5.37], symptoms of depression OR 2.57 (95% CI 1.47-4.50) and ejection fraction (EF) ≤35% OR 2.48 (95% CI 1.35-4.56) were more likely to withdraw from the workforce in the first year after admission. Patients with lower symptom burden OR 0.36 (95% CI 0.19-0.68) and a hospital stay of 0-2 days OR 0.18(95% CI 0.08-0.37) were less likely to withdraw.

CONCLUSION 

Low QoL, high symptom burden, symptoms of depression, a longer length of hospital stay, and low EF can predict withdrawal from the workforce in the first year after admission with heart failure.

Risk of a permanent work-related disability pension after incident venous thromboembolism in Denmark: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Long-term complications of venous thromboembolism (VTE) hamper physical function and impair quality of life; still, it remains unclear whether VTE is associated with risk of permanent work-related disability. We aimed to assess the association between VTE and the risk of receiving a permanent work-related disability pension and to assess whether this association was explained by comorbidities such as cancer and arterial cardiovascular disease.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

A Danish nationwide population-based cohort study consisting of 43,769 individuals aged 25 to 66 years with incident VTE during 1995 to 2016 and 218,845 birth year-, sex-, and calendar year-matched individuals from the general population, among whom 45.9% (N = 120,540) were women, was established using Danish national registries. The cohorts were followed throughout 2016, with permanent work-related disability pension as the outcome. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for disability pension were computed and stratified by sex and age groups (25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54, and 55 to 66 years of age) and adjusted for comorbidities and socioeconomic variables. Permanent work-related disability pensions were granted to 4,415 individuals with VTE and 9,237 comparison cohort members (incidence rates = 17.8 and 6.2 per 1,000 person-years, respectively). VTE was associated with a 3-fold (HR 3.0, 95% CI: 2.8 to 3.1) higher risk of receiving a disability pension. Adjustments for socioeconomic status and comorbidities such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases reduced the estimate (HR 2.3, 95% CI: 2.2 to 2.4). The risk of disability pension receipt was slightly higher in men than in women (HR 2.5, 95% CI: 2.3 to 2.6 versus HR 2.1, 95% CI: 2.0 to 2.3). As this study is based on medical and administrative registers, information on post-VTE care, individual health behavior, and workplace factors linked to disability pension in the general population are lacking. Furthermore, as disability pension schemes vary, our results might not be directly generalizable to other countries or time periods.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, incident VTE was associated with increased risk of subsequent permanent work-related disability, and this association was still observed after accounting for comorbidities such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Our results emphasize the social consequences of VTE and may help occupational and healthcare professionals to identify vulnerable individuals at risk of permanent exclusion from the labor market after a VTE event.

Factors associated with actively working in the very long-term following acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Returning to work after an episode of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is challenging for many patients, and has both personal and social impacts. There are limited data regarding the working status in the very long-term after ACS.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 1,632 patients who were working prior to hospitalization for ACS in a quaternary hospital and were followed-up for up to 17 years. Adjusted models were developed to analyze the variables independently associated with actively working at the last contact, and a prognostic predictive index for not working at follow-up was developed.

RESULTS

The following variables were significantly and independently associated with actively working at the last contact: age>median (hazard-ratio [HR], 0.76, p<0.001); male sex (HR, 1.52, p<0.001); government health insurance (HR, 1.36, p<0.001); history of angina (HR, 0.69, p<0.001) or myocardial infarction (MI) (HR, 0.76, p=0.005); smoking (HR, 0.81, p=0.015); ST-elevation MI (HR, 0.81, p=0.021); anterior-wall MI (HR, 0.75, p=0.001); non-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (HR, 0.77, p=0.002); fibrinolysis (HR, 0.61, p<0.001); cardiogenic shock (HR, 0.60, p=0.023); statin (HR, 3.01, p<0.001), beta-blocker (HR, 1.26, p=0.020), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) (HR, 1.37, p=0.001) at hospital discharge; and MI at follow-up (HR, 0.72, p=0.001). The probability of not working at the last contact ranged from 24.2% for patients with no variables, up to 80% for patients with six or more variables.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients discharged after ACS, prior and in-hospital clinical variables, as well as the quality of care at discharge, have a great impact on the long-term probability of actively working.

The role of cardiac rehabilitation in vocational reintegration Belgian working group of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation position paper

Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of morbidity and sick leave in Belgium, imposing a great socio-economic burden on the contemporary healthcare system and society. Cardiac rehabilitation is an evidence-based treatment strategy that not only improves the cardiac patients' health state but also holds promise so as to facilitate vocational reintegration in the society. This position paper was developed and endorsed by the Belgian Working Group of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation. It provides an overview of the currently available Belgian data with regard to the role of cardiac rehabilitation in return to work after an initial cardiac event. It identifies the relevant barriers and facilitators of vocational integration of cardiac patients and summarises the contemporary Belgian legal and medical framework in this regard. Cardiac rehabilitation remains a primordial component of the post-acute event management of the cardiac patient, facilitating vocational reintegrating and thereby decreasing the pressure on social security. Despite the availability of a relevant legislative framework, there is a need for well-defined algorithms to assess readiness for return to work that can be used in daily clinical practice.

Identifying contemporary early retirement factors and strategies to encourage and enable longer working lives: A scoping review

AIM

Accelerating population ageing is raising concern in many countries now in relation to the availability of workers for essential work roles and responsibilities. A scoping research literature review was done to identify factors currently associated with early retirement and contemporary strategies to encourage and support longer working lives.

METHODS

Using the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, we searched the Directory of Open Access Journals and EBSCO Discovery Service for published 2013-2018 research articles using the keyword/MeSH term "early retirement"; 54 English-language articles in peer-review journals were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven early retirement factors were revealed: Ill health, good health, workplace issues, the work itself, ageism, social norms and having achieved personal financial or pension requirement criteria. Six suggested solutions, none proven effective, were identified: Occupational health programmes, workplace enhancements, work adjustments, addressing ageism, changing social norms and pension changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence base on early retirement prevention is not strong, with qualitative investigations needed for in-depth understandings of early retirement influences and mixed-methods studies needed to test early retirement prevention solutions for their effects.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Until more evidence is available, every organisation should perform an early retirement risk assessment and identify current versus needed policies and programmes to encourage and enable more middle-aged and older people to work longer.

Employment status three years after percutaneous coronary intervention and predictors for being employed: A nationwide prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Vocational support is recommended for patients in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), as returning to work is important in patients social readjusting after an acute coronary event. Information is lacking on whether CR leads to higher long-term employment after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

AIMS

The aims of this study were to determine employment status three years after PCI, to compare employment status between CR participants and CR non-participants and to assess predictors for employment.

METHODS

We included first-time PCI patients from the NorStent trial, who were of working age (<63 years; n = 2488) at a three-year follow-up. Employment status and CR participation were assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Propensity score method was used in comparing employment status of CR participants and CR non-participants.

RESULTS

Seventy per cent of participants who were <60 years of age at the index event were employed at follow-up and CR participation had no effect on employment status. Being male, living with a partner and attaining higher levels of education were associated with a higher chance of being employed, while being older, prior cardiovascular morbidity and smoking status were associated with lower chance of being employed at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Because a significant number of working-age coronary heart disease patients are unemployed three years after coronary revascularization, updated incentives should be implemented to promote vocational support. Such programmes should focus on females, patients lacking higher education and patients who are living alone, as they are more likely to remain unemployed.

Effects of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health events on work and earnings: a population-based retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Survivors of acute health events can experience lasting reductions in functional status and quality of life, as well as reduced ability to work and earn income. We aimed to assess the effect of acute myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest and stroke on work and earning among working-age people.

METHODS

For this retrospective cohort study, we used the Canadian Hospitalization and Taxation Database, which contains linked hospital and income tax data, from 2005 to 2013 to perform difference-in-difference analyses. We matched patients admitted to hospital for acute MI, cardiac arrest or stroke with controls who were not admitted to hospital for these indications. Participants were aged 40-61 years, worked in the 2 years before the event and were alive 3 years after the event. Patients were matched to controls for 11 variables. The primary outcome was working status 3 years postevent. We also assessed earnings change attributable to the event. We matched 19 129 particpants who were admitted to hospital with acute MI, 1043 with cardiac arrest and 4395 with stroke to 1 820 644, 307 375 and 888 481 controls, respectively.

RESULTS

Fewer of the patients who were admitted to hospital were working 3 years postevent than controls for acute MI (by 5.0 percentage points [pp], 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.5-5.5), cardiac arrest (by 12.9 pp, 95% CI 10.4-15.3) and stroke (by 19.8 pp, 95% CI 18.5-23.5). Mean (95% CI) earnings declines attributable to the events were $3834 (95% CI 3346-4323) for acute MI, $11 143 (95% CI 8962-13 324) for cardiac arrest, and $13 278 (95% CI 12 301-14 255) for stroke. The effects on income were greater for patients who had lower baseline earnings, comorbid disease, longer hospital length of stay or needed mechanical ventilation. Sex, marital status or self-employment status did not affect income declines.

INTERPRETATION

Acute MI, cardiac arrest and stroke all resulted in substantial loss in employment and earnings that persisted for at least 3 years after the events. These outcomes have consequences for patients, families, employers and governments. Identification of subgroups at high risk for these losses may assist in targeting interventions, policies and legislation to promote return to work.

Patients' expectations of returning to work, co-morbid disorders and work capacity at discharge from cardiac rehabilitation

Objective

We aimed to characterize patients after an acute cardiac event regarding their negative expectations around returning to work and the impact on work capacity upon discharge from cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Methods

We analyzed routine data of 884 patients (52±7 years, 76% men) who attended 3 weeks of inpatient CR after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or cardiac surgery between October 2013 and March 2015. The primary outcome was their status determining their capacity to work (fit vs unfit) at discharge from CR. Further, sociodemographic data (eg, age, sex, and education level), diagnoses, functional data (eg, exercise stress test and 6-min walking test [6MWT]), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and self-assessment of the occupational prognosis (negative expectations and/or unemployment, Würzburger screening) at admission to CR were considered.

Results

A negative occupational prognosis was detected in 384 patients (43%). Out of these, 368 (96%) expected not to return to work after CR and/or were unemployed before CR at 29% (n=113). Affected patients showed a reduced exercise capacity (bicycle stress test: 100 W vs 118 W, P<0.01; 6MWT: 380 m vs 421 m, P<0.01) and were more likely to receive a depression diagnosis (12% vs 3%, P<0.01), as well as higher levels on the HADS. At discharge from CR, 21% of this group (n=81) were fit for work (vs 35% of patients with a normal occupational prognosis (n=175, P<0.01)). Sick leave before the cardiac event (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.6, P<0.01), negative occupational expectations (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.7, P<0.01) and depression (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, P=0.01) reduced the likelihood of achieving work capacity upon discharge. In contrast, higher exercise capacity was positively associated.

Conclusion

Patients with a negative occupational prognosis often revealed a reduced physical performance and suffered from a high psychosocial burden. In addition, patients’ occupational expectations were a predictor of work capacity at discharge from CR. Affected patients should be identified at admission to allow for targeted psychosocial care.

Determinants of Return to Work After Multicomponent Cardiac Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVES

To explore predictors of return to work in patients after acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery bypass grafting, taking into account cognitive performance, depression, physical capacity, and self-assessment of the occupational prognosis.

DESIGN

Observational, prospective, bicentric.

SETTING

Postacute 3-week inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=401) <65 years of age (mean 54.5±6.3y), 80% men.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Status of return to work (RTW) 6 months after discharge from CR.

RESULTS

The regression model for RTW showed negative associations for depression (odds ratio 0.52 per SD, 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.76, P=.001), age (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.52-1.00, P=.047), and in particular for a negative subjective occupational prognosis (expected incapacity for work odds ratio 0.19, 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.59, P=.004; unemployment odds ratio 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.72, P=.024; retirement odds ratio 0.07, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.067, P=.021). Positive predictors were employment before the cardiac event (odds ratio 9.66, 95% confidence interval 3.10-30.12, P<.001), capacity to work (fit vs unfit) at discharge from CR (odds ratio 3.15, 95% confidence interval 1.35-7.35, P=.008), and maximum exercise capacity (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.06-2.11, P=.022). Cognitive performance had no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The patient's perception and expectation regarding the occupational prognosis play a crucial role in predicting return to work 6 months after an acute cardiac event and CR. These findings highlight the importance of the multimodal approach, in particular psychosocial components, of CR.

Predicting return to work after acute myocardial infarction: Socio-occupational factors overcome clinical conditions

Objectives

Return to work after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), a leading cause of death globally, is a multidimensional process influenced by clinical, psychological, social and occupational factors, the single impact of which, however, is still not well defined. The objective of this study was to investigate these 4 factors on return to work (RTW) within 365 days after AMI in a homogeneous cohort of patients who had undergone an urgent coronary angioplasty.

Participants

We studied 102 patients, in employment at the time of AMI (88.24% of men), admitted to the Department of Cardiology of the University-Hospital of Ferrara between March 2015 to December 2016. Demographical and clinical characteristics were obtained from the cardiological records. After completing an interview on social and occupational variables and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS) questionnaire, patients underwent exercise capacity measurement and spirometry.

Results

Of the 102 patients, only 12 (12.76%) held a university degree, 68.63% were employees and 31.37% self-employed. The median number of sick-leave days was 44 (IQR 33–88). At day 30, 78.5% of all subjects had not returned to work, at day 60, 40.8% and at day 365 only 7.3% had not resumed working. At univariate analyses, educational degree (p = 0.026), self-employment status (p = 0.0005), white collar professional category (p = 0.020) and HADS depression score were significant for earlier return to work. The multivariate analysis confirms that having a university degree, being self-employed and presenting a lower value of HADS depression score increase the probability of a quicker return to work.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the strongest predictors of returning to work within 1 year after discharge for an acute myocardial infarction are related more to socio-occupational than to clinical parameters.

The Economic Burden of Heart Conditions in Brazil

Background

Heart conditions impose physical, social, financial and health-related quality of life limitations on individuals in Brazil.

Objectives

This study assessed the economic burden of four main heart conditions in Brazil: hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine and structured telephone support for the management of heart failure was assessed.

Methods

A standard cost of illness framework was used to assess the costs associated with the four conditions in 2015. The analysis assessed the prevalence of the four conditions and, in the case of myocardial infarction, also its incidence. It further assessed the conditions’ associated expenditures on healthcare treatment, productivity losses from reduced employment, costs of providing formal and informal care, and lost wellbeing. The analysis was informed by a targeted literature review, data scan and modelling. All inputs and methods were validated by consulting 15 clinicians and other stakeholders in Brazil. The cost-effectiveness analysis was based on a meta-analysis and economic evaluation of post-discharge programs in patients with heart failure, assessed from the perspective of the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (Sistema Unico de Saude).

Results

Myocardial infarction imposes the greatest financial cost (22.4 billion reais/6.9 billion USD), followed by heart failure (22.1 billion reais/6.8 billion USD), hypertension (8 billion reais/2.5 billion USD) and, finally, atrial fibrillation (3.9 billion reais/1.2 billion USD). Telemedicine and structured telephone support are cost-effective interventions for achieving improvements in the management of heart failure.

Conclusions

Heart conditions impose substantial loss of wellbeing and financial costs in Brazil and should be a public health priority.

Common Psychosocial Factors Predicting Return to Work After Common Mental Disorders, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Cancers: A Review of Reviews Supporting a Cross-Disease Approach

Purpose This systematic review aimed at identifying the common psychosocial factors that facilitate or hinder the return to work (RTW) after a sick leave due to common mental disorders (CMDs), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), or cancers (CAs). Methods We conducted a review of reviews searching 13 databases from 1994 to 2016 for peer-reviewed, quantitative, cohort studies investigating factors influencing RTW after a CMD, CVD, or CA. Then, for each disease we identified additional cohort studies published after the date of the latest review included. Data were extracted following a three steps best-evidence synthesis method: the extraction of results about each predictor from studies within each single review and in the additional papers; the synthesis of results across the reviews and additional papers investigating the same disease; and the synthesis of results across the diseases. Results The search strategy identified 1029 unique records from which 27 reviews and 75 additional studies underwent comprehensive review. 14 reviews and 32 additional cohort studies met eligibility criteria. Specific predictors of RTW with different levels of evidence are provided for each disease. We found four common facilitators of RTW (job control, work ability, perceived good health and high socioeconomic status), and six barriers of RTW (job strain, anxiety, depression, comorbidity, older age and low education). Conclusion This is the first review to systematically analyze commonalities in RTW after CMDs, CVDs, or CAs. The common factors identified indicate that the RTW process presents many similarities across various diseases, thus supporting the validity of a cross-disease approach.

Trends in diagnosis-specific work disability before and after ischaemic heart disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

We examined trends of diagnosis-specific work disability before and after ischaemic heart disease (IHD).

DESIGN

Participants were followed 4 years before and 4 years after an IHD event for diagnosis-specific work disability (sickness absence and disability pension).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A Swedish population-based cohort study using register data on all individuals aged 25-60 years, living in Sweden, and who suffered their first IHD event in 2006-2008 (n=23 971) was conducted.

RESULTS

Before the event, the most common diagnoses of work disability were musculoskeletal disorders (21 annual days for men and 44 for women) and mental disorders (19 men and 31 for women). After multivariable adjustments, we observed a fivefold increase (from 12 to 60 days) in work disability due to diseases of the circulatory system in the first postevent year compared with the last pre-event year among men. Among women, the corresponding increase was fourfold (from 14 to 62 days). By the second postevent year, the number of work disability days decreased significantly compared with the first postevent year among both sexes (to 19 days among men and 23 days among women). Among women, mean days of work disability due to diseases of the circulatory system remained at a higher level than among men during the postevent years. Work disability risk after versus before an IHD event was slightly higher among men (rate ratio (RR) 2.49; 95% CI 2.36 to 2.62) than among women (RR 2.29, 95% CI 2.12 to 2.49). When pre-event long-term work disability was excluded, diseases of the circulatory system were the most prevalent diagnosis for work disability after an IHD event among both men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

An IHD event was strongly associated with an increase in work disability due to diseases of the circulatory system, especially among men and particularly in the first postevent year.

Weather and risk of ST-elevation myocardial infarction revisited: Impact on young women

Background

During the last decade, the incidence and mortality rates of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been steadily increasing in young women but not in men. Environmental variables that contribute to cardiovascular events in women remain ill-defined.

Methods and results

A total of 2199 consecutive patients presenting with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, 25.8% women, mean age 62.6±12.4 years) were admitted at the Montreal Heart Institute between June 2010 and December 2014. Snow fall exceeding 2cm/day was identified as a positive predictor for STEMI admission rates in the overall population (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.48, p = 0.005), with a significant effect being seen in men (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06–1.53, p = 0.01) but not in women (p = NS). An age-specific analysis revealed a significant increase in hospital admission rates for STEMI in younger women ≤55 years, (n = 104) during days with higher outside temperature (p = 0.004 vs men ≤55 years) and longer daylight hours (p = 0.0009 vs men ≤55 years). Accordingly, summer season, increased outside temperature and sunshine hours were identified as strong positive predictors for STEMI occurrence in women ≤55 years (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.1–2.5, p = 0.012, RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.2–2.5, p = 0.007, and RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.2–2.5, p = 0.011, respectively), while an opposite trend was observed in men ≤55 years (RR for outside temperature 0.8, 95% CI 0.73–0.95, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The impact of environmental variables on STEMI is age- and sex-dependent. Higher temperature may play an important role in triggering such acute events in young women.

Helicopter vs. ground transportation of patients bound for primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Implementation of the first Danish helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) was associated with reduced time from first medical contact to treatment at a specialized centre for patients with suspected ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to investigate effects of HEMS on mortality and labour market affiliation in patients admitted for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, we included patients with suspected STEMI within the region covered by the HEMS from January 1, 2010, to April 30, 2013, transported by either HEMS or ground emergency medical services (GEMS) to the regional PCI centre. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

Among the 384 HEMS and 1220 GEMS patients, time from diagnostic ECG to PCI centre arrival was lower with HEMS (median 71 min vs. 78 min with GEMS; P = 0.004). Thirty-day mortality was 5.0% and 6.2%, respectively (adjusted OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.44-1.51, P = 0.52. Involuntary early retirement rates were 0.62 (HEMS) and 0.94 (GEMS) per 100 PYR (adjusted IRR = 0.68, 0.15-3.23, P = 0.63). The proportion of patients on social transfer payments longer than half of the follow-up time was 22.1% (HEMS) vs. 21.2% (adjusted OR = 1.10, 0.64-1.90, P = 0.73).

CONCLUSION

In an observational study of patients with suspected STEMI in eastern Denmark, no significant beneficial effect of helicopter transport could be detected on mortality, premature labour market exit or work ability. Only a study with random allocation to one system vs. another, along with a large sample size, will allow determination of superiority of helicopter transport.

Need of support in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe peoples' experiences and expectations of support when living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

METHOD

We conducted and analysed face-to-face or telephone interviews with 17 individuals (aged 44-77 years) diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The interviewer asked open-ended questions aimed at encouraging further narration, and we analysed the participants' narratives using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach. This report adheres to the COREQ guidelines.

RESULTS

The overall theme suggests that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease describe support as shared knowledge and experiences, based on the following subthemes; similar experiences, the need of genuine professional knowledge, self-reliance versus self-blame, and the Internet - feeling safe but uncertain.

CONCLUSIONS

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease find their strength through shared knowledge and dialogical support with others who have similar experiences and with professionals. A person-centred eHealth approach may be suitable for this group as it offers both collaboration and support.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

There is a demand for access to genuine professional knowledge as additional support to patients' own capabilities and needs. Patient associations were assessed as reliable sources of information and to some extent also support, but the importance of access to professional sources was also stressed.

Early Retirement: A Meta-Analysis of Its Antecedent and Subsequent Correlates

Early or voluntary retirement (ER) can be defined as the full exit from an organizational job or career path of long duration, decided by individuals of a certain age at the mid or late career before mandatory retirement age, with the aim of reducing their attachment to work and closing a process of gradual psychological disengagement from working life. Given the swinging movements that characterize employment policies, the potential effects of ER-both for individuals and society-are still controversial. This meta-analysis examined the relationships between ER and its antecedent and subsequent correlates. Our review of the literature was generated with 151 empirical studies, containing a total number of 706,937 participants, with a wide range of sample sizes (from N = 27 to N = 127,384 participants) and 380 independent effect sizes (ESs), which included 171 independent samples. A negligible ES value for antecedent correlates of early retirement (family pull, job stress, job satisfaction, and income) was obtained (which ranged from r = -0.13 to 0.19), while a fair ES was obtained for workplace timing for retirement, organizational pressures, financial security, and poor physical and mental health, (ranging from r = 0.28 to 0.25). Regarding ER subsequent correlates, poor ESs were obtained, ranging from r = 0.08 to 0.18 for the relationships with subsequent correlates, and fair ESs only for social engagement (r = -0.25). Examination of the potential moderator variables has been conducted. Only a reduced percentage of variability of primary studies has been explained by moderators. Although potential moderator factors were examined, there are several unknown or not measurable factors which contribute to ER and about which there are very little data available. The discussion is aimed to offer theoretical and empirical implications suggestion in order to improve employee's well-being.

Return to Work and Risk of Subsequent Detachment From Employment After Myocardial Infarction: Insights From Danish Nationwide Registries

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available on return to work and subsequent detachment from employment after admission for myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using individual-level linkage of data from nationwide registries, we identified patients of working age (30-65 years) discharged after first-time MI in the period 1997 to 2012, who were employed before admission. To assess the cumulative incidence of return to work and detachment from employment, the Aalen Johansen estimator was used. Incidences were compared with population controls matched on age and sex. Logistic regression was applied to estimate odds ratios for associations between detachment from employment and age, sex, comorbidities, income, and education level. Of 39 296 patients of working age discharged after first-time MI, 22 394 (56.9%) were employed before admission. Within 1 year 91.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.7%-91.5%) of subjects had returned to work, but 1 year after their return 24.2% (95% CI, 23.6%-24.8%) were detached from employment and received social benefits. Detachment rates were highest in patients aged 60 to 65 and 30 to 39 years, and significantly higher in patients with MI compared with population controls. Predictors of detachment were heart failure (odds ratio 1.20 [95% CI, 1.08-1.34]), diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 1.13 [95% CI, 1.01-1.25]), and depression (odds ratio 1.77 [95% CI, 1.55-2.01]). High education level and high income favored continued employment.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite that most patients returned to work after first-time MI, about 1 in 4 was detached from employment after 1 year. Several factors including age and lower socioeconomic status were associated with risk of detachment from employment.

Work, organisational practices, and margin of manoeuver during work reintegration

BACKGROUND

Many individuals of working age experience cardiovascular disease and are disabled from work as a result. The majority of research in cardiac work disability has focused on individual biological and psychological factors influencing work disability despite evidence of the importance of social context in work disability. In this article, the focus is on work and organisational features influencing the leeway (margin of manoeuvre) workers are afforded during work reintegration.

METHODS

A qualitative method was used. A large auto manufacturing plant was selected owing to work, organisational, and worker characteristics. Workplace context was assessed through site visits and meetings with stakeholders including occupational health, human resources and union personnel and a review of collective agreement provisions relating to seniority, benefits and accommodation. Worker experience was assessed using a series of in-depth interviews with workers (n = 12) returning to work at the plant following disabling cardiac illness. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Workers demonstrated variable levels of adjustment to the workplace that could be related to production expectations and work design. Policies and practices around electronic rate monitoring, seniority and accommodation, and disability management practices affected the buffer available to workers to adjust to the workplace.

CONCLUSIONS

Work qualities and organisational resources establish a margin of manoeuver for work reintegration efforts. Practitioners need to inform themselves of the constraints on work accommodation imposed by work organisation and collective agreements. Organisations and labour need to reconsider policies and practices that creates unequal accommodation conditions for disabled workers. Implications for rehabilitation Margin of manoeuvre offers a framework for evaluating and structuring work reintegration programmes. Assessing initial conditions for productivity expectations, context and ways and means to support work reintegration can be integrated with worker perceptions of work ability and possibilities for adaptation to structure and then monitor work reintegration programmes. Margin of manoeuvre can be used to evaluate sustainability of work at the end of rehabilitation. Cause-based workers' compensation schemes, collective agreement provisions, and organisational approaches to non-compensable disability create two tiers of disabled workers and make certain workers more vulnerable to occupational disability.

Permanent work disability before and after ischaemic heart disease or stroke event: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

We examined the risk of disability pension before and after ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or stroke event, the burden of stroke compared with IHD and which factors predicted disability pension after either event.

DESIGN

A population-based cohort study with follow-up 5 years before and after the event. Register data were analysed with general linear modelling with binary and Poisson distributions including interaction tests for event type (IHD/stroke).

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

All people living in Sweden, aged 25‒60 years at the first event year, who had been living in Sweden for 5 years before the event and had no indication of IHD or stroke prior to the index event in 2006‒2008 were included, except for cases in which death occurred within 30 days of the event. People with both IHD and stroke were excluded, resulting in 18 480 cases of IHD (65%) and 9750 stroke cases (35%).

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Disability pension.

RESULTS

Of those going to suffer IHD or stroke event, 25% were already on disability pension a year before the event. The adjusted OR for disability pension at first postevent year was 2.64-fold (95% CI 2.25 to 3.11) for people with stroke compared with IHD. Economic inactivity predicted disability pension regardless of event type (OR=3.40; 95% CI 2.85 to 4.04). Comorbid mental disorder was associated with the greatest risk (OR=3.60; 95% CI 2.69 to 4.83) after an IHD event. Regarding stroke, medical procedure, a proxy for event severity, was the largest contributor (OR=2.27, 95% CI 1.43 to 3.60).

CONCLUSIONS

While IHD event was more common, stroke involved more permanent work disability. Demographic, socioeconomic and comorbidity-related factors were associated with disability pension both before and after the event. The results help occupational and other healthcare professionals to identify vulnerable groups at risk for permanent labour market exclusion after such an event.

A qualitative study of younger men's experience of heart attack (myocardial infarction)

OBJECTIVES

The effects of heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), across psychosocial domains may be particularly acute in younger adults, for whom serious health events are non-normative. MI morbidity is declining in Western countries, but in England MI numbers have plateaued for the under-45 cohort, where approximately 90% of patients are male. Qualitative research on younger adults' experience of MI is limited, and no study has sampled exclusively under-45s. This study aimed to understand how a sample of men under 45 adjusted to and made sense of MI.

DESIGN

Qualitative research design based on semi-structured in-depth interviews.

METHODS

Ten men aged under 45 who had experienced MI in the past 3-6 months were purposively recruited and interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS

Seven superordinate themes were identified. This article focuses in depth on the three most original themes: (1) 'I'm less of a man', which described experiences of losing 'maleness' (strength, independence, ability to provide) post-MI; (2) 'Shortened horizons', which covered participants' sense of foreshortened future and consequent reprioritization; and (3) 'Life loses its colour', describing the loss of pleasure from lifestyle-related changes.

CONCLUSION

Themes broadly overlapped with the qualitative literature on younger adult MI. However, some themes (e.g., loss of 'maleness' post-MI, and ambivalence towards MI risk factors) appeared unique to this study. Themes were also discussed in relation to risk factors for anxiety and depression and how this might inform clinical care for a younger, male population. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Myocardial infarction (MI) morbidity is not declining in England for under-45s. Adjustment to MI is particularly challenging for younger adults, perhaps because it is non-normative. However, little is known about the experience of MI in younger adults. What does this study add? This is the first qualitative study to sample MI patients exclusively under 45, thereby mapping to epidemiological trends. Further support is provided for some themes identified in the existing young adult MI literature. New themes are identified here which can provide insights relevant to clinical care in this population.

Work disability before and after a major cardiovascular event: a ten-year study using nationwide medical and insurance registers

We examined the trajectories of work disability before and after IHD and stroke events. New IHD (n = 13521) and stroke (n = 7162) cases in 2006–2008 were retrieved from nationwide Swedish hospital records and their annual work disability days five years before and after the date of diagnosis were retrieved from a nationwide disability register. There was no pre-event differences in disability days between the IHD and stroke cases and five years prior to the event, they were close to those observed in the general population. In the first post-event year, the adjusted mean days increased to 83.9 (95% CI 80.6–86.5) in IHD; to 179.5 (95% CI 172.4–186.8) in stroke, a six-fold increase in IHD and 14-fold in stroke. Work disability leveled off among the IHD cases but not among those who had stroke. The highest disability levels for the fifth post-event year after a stroke event was associated with pre-existing diabetes (146.9), mental disorder (141.2), non-employment (137.0), and immigrant status (117.9). In a working-age population, the increase in work disability after a cardiovascular event decreases close to the pre-event level in IHD but remains particularly high after stroke; among patients with comorbid depression or diabetes, immigrants, and those not in employment.

The joint contribution of cardiovascular disease and socioeconomic status to disability retirement: A register linkage study

BACKGROUND

Whether low occupational class amplifies the risk of disability retirement among employees with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unknown. We examined this issue in two prospective cohort studies.

METHODS

In the Finnish Public Sector Study and the Helsinki Health Study (n=50.799 employees), prevalent CVD (coronary heart disease or stroke, n=1269) was ascertained using records from national health registers, self-reported doctor-diagnosed diseases, and Rose Angina Questionnaire. Data linkage to national pension registers allowed the follow up of disability retirement among the participants for a mean of six years. We analysed the associations of occupational class and CVD with disability retirement using Cox regression, tested interactions between occupational class and prevalent CVD in predicting disability retirement by calculating the Synergy Index, and pooled the results from the two studies using fixed-effect meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with the participants from high occupational class and no CVD, the participants from the low occupational class without CVD had a 2.13-fold (95% CI 1.97-2.30), those with high occupational class and CVD a 2.18-fold (1.73-2.74); and those with both low occupational class and CVD a 4.49-fold (3.83-5.26) risk of disability retirement. A Synergy Index of 1.55 (1.16-2.06) suggested a greater than additive effect for low occupational class and CVD in combination.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with both low occupational class and CVD are at a particularly high risk of premature exit from the labour market due to work disability. These findings suggest that better preventive strategies are needed to improve prognosis in this risk group.

Employment Status and Sick Leave After First-Time Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation: Results From the COPE-ICD Trial

BACKGROUND

In the Copenhagen Outpatient Programme-Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (COPE-ICD) Trial, a positive effect from a cost-saving, comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program was found on physical and mental health in patients with ICDs.

OBJECTIVE

In the context of the COPE-ICD Trial, the aims of this study is to investigate (a) employment status after ICD implantation, (b) the number of sick days related to ICD implantation, (c) differences in employment status and sick days between rehabilitation and usual care groups, and (d) predictors of employment status and sick leave.

METHOD

Patients with first-time ICD implantation were randomized to comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation or usual care. One year after ICD implantation, patients answered questions about employment status and sick leave. Differences were tested using the Student t test and the χ test. Predictors of employment status and sick leave were tested using logistic regression and linear regression models.

RESULT

A total of 196 patients were randomized. The questionnaire was completed by 138 patients (70%). In total, 47% had worked before ICD implantation. After 1 year, 81% were still working and their mean (SD) number of sick days was 33.8 (58.3). Age 60 years or younger and secondary ICD indication were predictors of working after 1 year. Patients with secondary ICD indication had more sick days and patients who were not married had fewer sick days.

CONCLUSION

Most patients who worked before ICD implantation returned to work after the ICD was placed. Those who were married and had an ICD for secondary prevention took more sick days after the ICD than did those without these characteristics. Those who were younger and have a secondary indication ICD were more likely to be working 1 year after ICD implantation.

Effectiveness of person-centred care after acute coronary syndrome in relation to educational level: Subgroup analysis of a two-armed randomised controlled trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of person-centred care (PCC) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in relation to educational level of participants.

METHOD

199 Patients <75years with ACS were randomised to PCC plus usual care or usual care alone and followed for 6months from hospital to outpatient care and primary care. For the PCC group, patients and health care professionals co-created a PCC health plan reflecting both perspectives, which induced a continued collaboration in person-centred teams at each health care level. A composite score of changes that included general self-efficacy assessment, return to work or previous activity level, re-hospitalisation or death was used as outcome measure.

RESULTS

In the group of patients without postsecondary education (n=90) the composite score showed a significant improvement in favour of the PCC intervention (n=40) vs. usual care (n=50) at six months (35.0%, n=14 vs. 16.0%, n=8; odds ratio (OR)=2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-7.7, P=0.041). In patients with postsecondary education (n=109), a non-significant difference in favour of the PCC intervention (n=54) vs. usual care (n=55) was observed in the composite score (13.0%, n=7 vs 3.6%, n=2; OR=3.9, 95% CI: 0.8-19.9, P=0.097).

CONCLUSION

A PCC approach, which stresses the necessity of a patient-health care professional partnership, is beneficial in patients with low education after an ACS event. Because these patients have been identified as a vulnerable group in cardiac rehabilitation, we suggest that PCC can be integrated into conventional cardiac rehabilitation programmes to improve both equity in uptake and health outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Swedish registry, Researchweb.org, ID NR 65 791.

Psychosocial job conditions, fear avoidance beliefs and expected return to work following acute coronary syndrome: a cross-sectional study of fear-avoidance as a potential mediator

Background

Despite improvements in treatment, acute coronary syndrome remains a substantial cause for prolonged sick absences and premature retirement. Knowledge regarding what benefits return to work is limited, especially the effect of psychological processes and psychosocial work factors. The purposes of this cross-sectional study were two-fold: to examine associations between adverse psychosocial job conditions and fear-avoidance beliefs towards work, and to determine whether such beliefs mediated the relationship between work conditions and expected return to work in acute coronary syndrome survivors.

Methods

Study inclusion criteria: acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina diagnosis, below 65 years of age, being a resident in the West county of Sweden and currently working. In all, 509 individuals (21.8 % women) accepted study participation and for whom all data of study interest were available for analysis. Psychosocial work variables; job demand-control and effort-reward imbalance, were assessed with standard questionnaire batteries. Linear regression models were used to investigate relationships between psychosocial factors and fear-avoidance, and to evaluate mediator effects for fear-avoidance. Both total sample and gender stratified analyses were calculated.

Results

Fear-avoidance beliefs about work were associated to psychosocial job environments characterized by high strain (β 1.4; CI 1.2–1.6), active and passive work and high effort-reward imbalance (β 0.6; CI 0.5–0.7). Further, such beliefs also mediated the relationship between adverse work conditions and expected time for return to work. However, these results were only observed in total sample analyses or among or male participants. For women only high strain was linked to fear-avoidance, and these relationships became non-significant when entering chosen confounders.

Conclusions

This cross-sectional study showed that acute coronary syndrome survivors, who laboured under adverse psychosocial work conditions, held fear-avoidance beliefs towards their workplace. Furthermore, these beliefs mediated the relationships between - high strained or high effort-reward imbalanced work - and expected return to work. However, mentioned results were primarily found among men, which could results from few female study participants or gender differences in return to work mechanisms. Still, an earlier return to work might be promoted by interventions focusing on improved psychosocial work conditions and cognitive behavioural therapy targeting fear-avoidance beliefs.

The global impact of non-communicable diseases on macro-economic productivity: a systematic review

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have large economic impact at multiple levels. To systematically review the literature investigating the economic impact of NCDs [including coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer (lung, colon, cervical and breast), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD)] on macro-economic productivity. Systematic search, up to November 6th 2014, of medical databases (Medline, Embase and Google Scholar) without language restrictions. To identify additional publications, we searched the reference lists of retrieved studies and contacted authors in the field. Randomized controlled trials, cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, ecological studies and modelling studies carried out in adults (>18 years old) were included. Two independent reviewers performed all abstract and full text selection. Disagreements were resolved through consensus or consulting a third reviewer. Two independent reviewers extracted data using a predesigned data collection form. Main outcome measure was the impact of the selected NCDs on productivity, measured in DALYs, productivity costs, and labor market participation, including unemployment, return to work and sick leave. From 4542 references, 126 studies met the inclusion criteria, many of which focused on the impact of more than one NCD on productivity. Breast cancer was the most common (n = 45), followed by stroke (n = 31), COPD (n = 24), colon cancer (n = 24), DM (n = 22), lung cancer (n = 16), CVD (n = 15), cervical cancer (n = 7) and CKD (n = 2). Four studies were from the WHO African Region, 52 from the European Region, 53 from the Region of the Americas and 16 from the Western Pacific Region, one from the Eastern Mediterranean Region and none from South East Asia. We found large regional differences in DALYs attributable to NCDs but especially for cervical and lung cancer. Productivity losses in the USA ranged from 88 million US dollars (USD) for COPD to 20.9 billion USD for colon cancer. CHD costs the Australian economy 13.2 billion USD per year. People with DM, COPD and survivors of breast and especially lung cancer are at a higher risk of reduced labor market participation. Overall NCDs generate a large impact on macro-economic productivity in most WHO regions irrespective of continent and income. The absolute global impact in terms of dollars and DALYs remains an elusive challenge due to the wide heterogeneity in the included studies as well as limited information from low- and middle-income countries.

Person-centred care after acute coronary syndrome, from hospital to primary care - A randomised controlled trial

AIM

To evaluate if person-centred care can improve self-efficacy and facilitate return to work or prior activity level in patients after an event of acute coronary syndrome.

METHOD

199 patients with acute coronary syndrome < 75 years were randomly assigned to person-centred care intervention or treatment as usual and followed for 6 months. In the intervention group a person-centred care process was added to treatment as usual, emphasising the patient as a partner in care. Care was co-created in collaboration between patients, physicians, registered nurses and other health care professionals and documented in a health plan. A team-based partnership across three health care levels included transparent knowledge about the disease and medical state to achieve agreed goals during recovery. Main outcome measure was a composite score of changes in general self-efficacy ≥ 5 units, return to work or prior activity level and re-hospitalisation or death.

RESULTS

The composite score showed that more patients (22.3%, n=21) improved in the intervention group at 6 months compared to the control group (9.5%, n=10) (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-6.2; P=0.015). The effect was driven by improved self-efficacy ≥ 5 units in the intervention group. Overall general self-efficacy improved significantly more in the intervention group compared with the control group (P=0.026). There was no difference between groups on re-hospitalisation or death, return to work or prior activity level.

CONCLUSION

A person-centred care approach emphasising the partnership between patients and health care professionals throughout the care chain improves general self-efficacy without causing worsening clinical events.

Gender-Related Long-term Outcome of Primary Femoropopliteal Stent Placement for Peripheral Artery Disease

Purpose: To evaluate gender-related long-term outcomes in patients undergoing stent treatment of femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease. Methods: Between September 2006 and August 2010, all 517 patients (333 men and 184 women; mean age 70.6 years) undergoing primary stent placement in femoropopliteal atherosclerotic lesions at 2 European vascular centers were prospectively enrolled in the study. The main study outcome was primary stent patency. Secondary outcomes included secondary patency, limb salvage, and all-cause mortality. Results: Women had a higher incidence of critical limb ischemia (32.1% vs. 16.9%, p<0.001). Lesion characteristics according to the TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) classification were comparable in both genders (p=0.52), although total occlusions and popliteal involvement were observed more frequently in female patients (p=0.043 and p=0.001, respectively). Both genders showed similar 5-year primary patency rates (64.3% men vs. 58.1% women, p=0.11). A statistically significant difference was observed concerning the secondary patency rates in favor of men (71.9% vs. 66.8% at 5 years, p=0.005). Limb salvage rates did not vary between the groups (p=0.83). Survival rates were comparable at 5 years (83.3% and 82.6% for men and women, respectively; p=0.63), although female patients were older at their presentation (68.5 vs. 74.3 years, p<0.001). Female gender was an independent risk factor for restenosis for TASC C/D lesions (primary patency rate 39.8% in women vs. 62.0% in men; p=0.002). Finally, critical limb ischemia was an independent risk factor for restenosis in women (odds ratio 1.5). Conclusion: Female gender was associated with a higher prevalence of critical limb ischemia, poorer secondary patency, and more frequent restenosis in TASC C/D lesions. Endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal lesions provides equal results between genders in terms of primary stent patency in the long term.