Why the study?
Most reviews on return to work (RTW) predictors focus on a single diagnosis, leaving common predictors across cardiovascular diseases incompletely synthesized.
Functional capacity, psychological well-being, job content, and social support are key common predictors for returning to work after cardiovascular events.
Supports assessing modifiable barriers before return-to-work decisions; extends prior evidence by confirming consistent predictors across cardiovascular diseases.
Background and Aims: Returning to work (RTW) after cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a complex process that impacts both individual wellbe ing and societal productivity. While most reviews on RTW predictors focus on a single diagnosis, recurring medical, psychosocial, and work related factors suggest the presence of common predictors across CVDs. This systematic review synthesizes predictors of RTW across acute coro nary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and stroke using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of system atic reviews was conducted. A total of 28 reviews were included, with predictors categorized using the ICF framework (Body Structures,-Functions, Activities, Participation, Personal-and Environmental factors). Methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. Results: Both common and disease-specific predictors were identified. Across all CVDs, RTW outcomes were strongly influenced by functional capacity, psychological well-being, job content, and social support. For stroke, environmental factors played a particularly crucial role. Workplace characteristics, employment policies, healthcare accessibility, and social
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Tisseghem et al. (2025) studied this question.
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