Sulg Aleksandra, Vuokko Aki, Kvarnström Kirsi, Varonen Mikko, Malmivaara Antti, Arokoski Jari, Liira Helena
Outpatient Clinic for Persistent Symptom Rehabilitation, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Terveystalo, Occupational Health Clinic, Helsink, Finland.
Scand J Prim Health Care. 2025 Jul 1:1-15. doi: 10.1080/02813432.2025.2525434.
Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) can have long-lasting adverse effects, including impacts on work ability. This study explores the facilitators and barriers in the return-to-work (RTW) process.
Conducted in spring 2023 at the Outpatient Clinic for Long-Term Effects of COVID-19, this qualitative study involved phone interviews with 32 patients with PCC, of whom 28 were included in the analysis, while four interviews served as pilots. A research doctor conducted semi-structured interviews covering work ability, RTW actions and rehabilitation experiences. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive approach.
Several factors influenced work ability and the RTW process. For individual-related factors, self-guided rehabilitation, stress management, a positive attitude and high motivation supported RTW. Severe symptoms like fatigue and cognitive impairment, along with negative thoughts about them and experience of stress, hindered progress. Work-related factors included supportive employers and flexible work arrangements, while negative attitudes, skepticism about PCC and inflexible workloads were barriers. Health care-related and social factors showed that adequate emotional support and comprehensive healthcare services facilitated rehabilitation, whereas poor support, limited services and insufficient PCC understanding were obstacles. Regarding social insurance, partial sick leave supported RTW, but unmet criteria for benefits posed a barrier.
PCC's multifactorial nature, complicated by work ability challenges, requires a holistic approach considering individual, social and work-related factors. Effective support involves understanding patients' experiences and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, employers and the social security system to facilitate RTW, especially in prolonged cases.
新冠后状况（PCC）可能会产生长期的不良影响，包括对工作能力的影响。本研究探讨了重返工作岗位（RTW）过程中的促进因素和障碍。
这项定性研究于2023年春季在新冠长期影响门诊进行，对32名PCC患者进行了电话访谈，其中28名纳入分析，4次访谈作为试点。一名研究医生进行了半结构化访谈，内容涵盖工作能力、RTW行动和康复经历。访谈进行了录音，逐字转录，并采用归纳法进行分析。
几个因素影响了工作能力和RTW过程。与个人相关的因素中，自我引导的康复、压力管理、积极的态度和高度的动力支持RTW。疲劳和认知障碍等严重症状，以及对这些症状的消极想法和压力体验，阻碍了进展。与工作相关的因素包括支持性的雇主和灵活的工作安排，而消极态度、对PCC的怀疑和不灵活的工作量则是障碍。与医疗保健和社会相关的因素表明，充足的情感支持和全面的医疗服务促进了康复，而支持不足、服务有限和对PCC的理解不足则是障碍。关于社会保险，部分病假支持RTW，但未满足的福利标准构成了障碍。
PCC的多因素性质，因工作能力挑战而变得复杂，需要一种考虑个人、社会和工作相关因素的整体方法。有效的支持包括了解患者的经历，并促进医疗保健提供者、雇主和社会保障系统之间的合作，以促进RTW，特别是在长期病例中。
