Supervisors' attitudes toward return to work after myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass graft

Although workplace supervisors may play a significant role in the return-to-work process, there are very few scientific references to this effect. This study surveyed supervisors' reactions, attitudes, and anxieties concerning the return-to-work of employees after myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass graft. A total of 58 supervisors of employees who had returned to work responded to a self-report questionnaire based on interviews with occupational physicians and nurses, heart patients, and experienced supervisors. The supervisors believed they contributed significantly to the successful occupational rehabilitation of heart patients and emphasized the importance of ongoing consultations with occupational physicians. Yet many of the respondents considered such employees to be problematic to a considerable extent, because their occupational functioning is often impaired initially and special attention and support is required.