The return-to-work process in the patients after cardiac surgery: A grounded theory study

The availability of information regarding people's experiences of returning to work after heart surgery, taking into account the socio-cultural context of Iranian society, is limited. The aim of this study is to discover the process of returning to work after heart surgery.

Methods & Materials:

A qualitative study using the grounded theory approach was conducted between 2021 and 2022. Through purposive and theoretical sampling, 21 participants who had undergone heart surgery and were in the process of returning to work were selected. They were chosen from the cardiac surgery ward of Amiralmomenin Hospital in Kordkuy, as well as among patients seeking treatment from cardiac surgeons in Golestan province. Data were collected through conducting semi-structured interviews and taking field notes. Data analysis was conducted using the method proposed by Corbin and Strauss in 2015.

"Feeling of doubt about return-to-work", "perceived psycho-social support", "personal and occupational factors", "unfavorable consequences of heart surgery" and "limited support from governmental/non-governmental institutions" were determined as contextual factors influencing the process of return-to-work. Moreover, "effort to adjust the job", "situation evaluation" and "self-management" were introduced as strategies, while "adaptability to the job" were identified as the consequence of returning to work. Finally, the core variable of the study was determined to be "the thoughtful effort to match the job".

Based on the results, it was determined that several individual and environmental factors influence the process of return-to-work for people who have undergone heart surgery. To facilitate a successful return to work, it is crucial to provide psycho-social support from both the family and work environment. It is recommended that policy makers in the health and social affairs sectors take active steps to empower people during the post-recovery period. Additionally, fostering collaboration between the Ministries of Labor and Health, as well as insurance organizations, can greatly facilitate the return to work of individuals after heart surgery.