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Return to work after thoracic organ transplantation in a clinically‐stable population
Author(s) -
Petrucci Lucia,
Ricotti Susanna,
Michelini Ilaria,
Vitulo Patrizio,
Oggionni Tiberio,
Cascina Alessandro,
D'Armini Andrea M.,
Goggi Claudio,
Campana Carlo,
Viganò Mario,
DallaToffola Elena,
Tinelli Carmine,
Klersy Catherine
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
european journal of heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.149
H-Index - 133
eISSN - 1879-0844
pISSN - 1388-9842
DOI - 10.1016/j.ejheart.2007.08.002
Subject(s) - medicine , transplantation , quality of life (healthcare) , population , heart transplantation , heart failure , lung transplantation , physical therapy , organ transplantation , gerontology , intensive care medicine , nursing , environmental health
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.