Return to work after COVID-19: Experiences and expectations from the first wave of COVID-19 in Stockholm

Abstract

Background In Stockholm (Sweden) a substantial number of persons who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during spring 2020, and received intensive care followed by rehabilitation due to COVID-19, were of working age. For this group, return to work (RTW) is an important part of the rehabilitation, however this is an area that thus far has received little scholarly attention. The Aim of this study was two-fold. First, to descriptively look at self-reported work ability over time using the Work Abilty Index among working age adults who recovered from severe COVID-19, and secondly, to explore experiences and expectations concerning RTW among working age adults who recovered from severe COVID-19. Methods Focus group interviews and qualitative thematic analyses were utilized. In addition, the study populations’ self-reported work ability index was recorded over one year. Findings Qualitative analysis of data resulted in 5 themes: a) Initial experiences after discharge from in-patient rehabilitation, b) Disparate first contact with work, c) Uncertainties about own role in RTW process, d) Working situation for those who had started getting back to work, and e) A need to reprioritize expectations for work in the context of everyday life. There were no statistical differences in work ability index scores between 18 and 52 weeks after discharge from an in-patient rehabilitation unit. Conclusion RTW after COVID-19 can require systematic support for several months as well as be initiated earlier in the rehabilitation process. Further research in the area is needed.

Figuring Out Life After Covid-19: a Qualitative Study From Sweden

“…In order to cope at work, participants expressed the importance of supportive employers and colleagues and their awareness of and willingness to adjust to situations related to the fatigue and other long-term symptoms after COVID-19. The need of support and having a constructive dialogue with employers and colleagues were highlighted as important during the return to work process in previous COVID-19 studies ( 11 , 23 , 24 ). During working life, participants were willing to push themselves and to give their all to successfully return to full-time employment, as described previously ( 11 ).…”

The role of occupational therapists in return-to-work practice for people with post-COVID condition: A scoping review

“…There was also a diversity in the target of the interventions. There were interventions and services that intended to manage COVID-related (20,35,39) and fatigue symptoms (11,13,14,16,20,22,25,29,30,40), train speci c skills to alleviate functional de cits (13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 31-34, 36, 41), facilitate activities of daily living (11, 12, 25, 27-29, 32, 33, 36, 40, 42) and work-related training (13, 17, 23, 29, 34-36, 40, 42), educate patients on self-management techniques (14, 16, 18-20, 24, 28, 31-33, 35, 40, 43), and adapt the physical and social environments (11,13,15,16,23,33,34). However, we must disclaim that occupational therapists were involved in some, and not in all, interventions and services for clients with PCC and RTW needs.…”

Cognitive strategies and metacognition in occupational therapy for a long COVID-19 patient: a single case report

“…Other persistent symptoms include cognitive and mental impairments, muscle pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal and cardiac issues (Yong, 2021). A substantial number of people need support in finding their way back to meaningful and productive work after COVID-19 (Asaba et al, 2022). Thus, it is essential to better understand the impact of long COVID on occupational participation and performance.…”