© 2007 European Society of Cardiology
Return to work after thoracic organ transplantation in a clinically-stable population
a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
b Service of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo 27100, Pavia, Italy
c Respiratory Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
d Division of Cardiac Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
e Department of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Pavia, Italy
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +39 0382 503557; fax: +39 0382 502075. E-mail address: klersy{at}smatteo.pv.it
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Abstract |
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Purpose: To evaluate the rate of return to work after transplantation and its determinants in a clinically-stable population of patients transplanted and followed-up at a single institution in Italy.
Methods: 151 thoracic organ transplant recipients (72 lung, 79 heart) were examined. Patients were asked about daily activities, level of education, employment and clinical condition. A six-minute walking test was performed with measurement of dyspnoea using the Borg scale. Quality of Life was evaluated with the SF-36 and GHQ questionnaires.
Results: Before transplantation 131 patients (87%), (70 heart and 61 lung) worked. After transplantation, 51 patients (39%) went back to work and 3 more started working. We found that younger age, a better quality of life (mainly in the mental domain), having had an occupation previously (particularly as an entrepreneur/freelancer), and having been off work for less than 24months, were independent predictors of return to work.
Conclusions: Considering their good, objective and subjective, functional status, some patients who could have returned to work, chose not to. Identifying factors which affect return to work might help health professionals to adopt the best course of treatment and psychological support in order to fulfil this goal; however, return to work should not be considered as the only expression of a patient's real psychophysical condition.
Key Words: Thoracic organ transplantation • Employment • Return to work • Quality of life
Received May 16, 2007; Accepted August 15, 2007