Abstract
BACKGROUND: Many patients with cardiovascular disease show no obvious physical disability after hospital discharge, making it difficult to recognize functional decline and adapt appropriate accommodations. Therefore, this study examined return-to-work (RTW) outcomes and barriers after hospital discharge. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a questionnaire among patients aged 18-64 years who underwent inpatient cardiac rehabilitation and were discharged between January 2018 and March 2023. Of 133 eligible patients, 54 responded (response rate 41%). Respondents were classified as: (1) returned to their original job; (2) returned to a different job; and (3) did not return to any job. The overall RTW rate was 96%, with 92% returning to their original job within 3 months. However, 81% of the respondents reported anxiety, mainly about physical strain and limited workplace understanding. Physicians were the most frequently consulted professionals, while other healthcare providers were rarely sought for advice. CONCLUSIONS: Although most patients successfully returned to work, substantial anxiety persisted regarding workplace reintegration. A structured vocational support system is required, wherein healthcare providers proactively identify at-risk patients and deliver comprehensive guidance to support sustainable RTW outcomes.