Vocational and Emotional Status of 263 Patients After Heart Surgery

Abstract

The vocational and emotional status of 263 patients following heart surgery was sampled with a questionnaire mailed to 329 patients thought to be living. Return to work was most clearly related to the duration of unemployment. Age and sex did not influence rate of return to work. The kind of operation had a small but definite influence. A "Law of the Year" stating that if a person is unemployed for more than a year for any reason, the chance of reemployment is poor is proposed. From one third to one half of the patients complained that their "nerves were worse" postoperatively. The number complaining of worsening exceeded those improving by two to five times and was directly related to the type of operation. Most pleasant recollection of the surgical experience was the dedicated attitude of doctors and staff. There was wide diversity of opinion about most unpleasant experiences, but complaints about environmental conditions in the recovery room, noise, unpleasant roommates, and insufficient visitors were minimal. Establishment of a cardiac reconditioning program is recommended, since 41% felt unable to work.