Return-to-work, disabilities and occupational health in the age of COVID-19

We have read with great interest the two editorials by Burdorf et al: “The COVID-19 pandemic: one year later – an occupational perspective” (1) and (Coronavirus) consequences for health” (2). The authors highlight importance of societal outbreak changes in world work to manage health. key points identified such as individual socio­economic factors, psychological effects occupations highest risk contamination modify return-to-work approaches. It is estimated that around 800 million people working age worldwide were living disabilities before SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In early January 2021, cumulative hospitalisation rate reached 207.4/100 000 (18–49-year-olds) 505.7/100 (50–64-year-olds), respectively, United States (3). France, was 411.5/100 across all ages (4). A recent cohort study working-age men who hospitalised highlighted long-term health a disease (5). pandemic creates new challenges health, shifting attention away from after problems resuming during outbreak, dealing lockdown, taking special account workers vulnerabilities (6, 7). recommend considering three different aspects medicine Firstly, most at high-risk severe COVID-19, issues disability had never occurred epidemic. Recommendations physical social distancing wearing facemask are highly advisable protect against infection but may not be enough enable some individuals resume work. Therefore, decision-making requires comprehensive assessments underlying medical condition, associated either regular or teleworking, vaccination opportunities. second situation concerns suffered COVID-19. Preliminary studies suggest long recovery duration related high severity (7), this still matter debate patients suffering “long COVID-19” (5, 8, 9), condition which remain unknown. Any long-running must considered potential sign These long-lasting syndromes occur among symptoms also been reported independently acute phase severity, receiving oxygen (8, 9). Researchers currently investigating syndromes. Strategies promoting return these will need implemented could similar programmes developed other chronic conditions. Moreover, numerous more serious sequelae following critical illness enhanced support rehabilitation specialists. Finally, epidemic evaluated over time functional limitations their mental modified and, specifically, lockdown (10). situations, medical, social, financial contexts elements. addition assessment, use scales Work Ability Index (WAI) (11) Productivity Activity Impairment (WPAI) (12) can help perform follow-up provide information about capacity workload. gives “back basics” perspective, urging politicians move towards `decent-work-for-all` policy, advocated Nation`s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) WHO has endorsed (13). References 1. A, Porru F, Rugulies R. perspective. Scand J Environ Health online first. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3956 2. Health. 2020;46(3):229–230. https://doi:org/10.5271/sjweh.3893. 3. Hospitalizations [Internet]. Available from: https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/COVIDNet/COVID19_3.html 4. vaccine allergy management setting. Descatha al. Arch Mal Prof 2021. Accepted publication. 5. Huang C, L, Wang Y, Li X, Ren Gu 6-month discharged hospital: study. Lancet 2021;397(10270):220-32 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32656-8 6. Shaw WS, Main CJ, Findley PA, Collie Kristman VL, Gross DP. Opening Workplace After COVID-19: What Lessons Can Learned Return-to-Work Research? Occup Rehabil. 2020;30(3):299–302. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-020-09908-9 7. Taylor T, Das R, Mueller K, Pransky G, Christian J, Orford Safely Returning America Work: Part I: General Guidance Employers. Med. 2020;62(9):771–9. https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000001984 8. Carfì Bernabei Landi Gemelli Against Post-Acute Care Study Group. Persistent Symptoms Patients Acute JAMA. 2020;324(6):603–5. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.12603 9. Tenforde MW, Kim SS, Lindsell Billig Rose E, Shapiro NI, Files DC, Symptom Duration Risk Factors Delayed Return Usual Among Outpatients Multistate Systems Network - States, March-June 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly. 2020;69(30):993–8. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6930e1 10. Chudasama YV, Gillies CL, Zaccardi Coles B, Davies MJ, Seidu S, Impact on routine care diseases: global survey views healthcare professionals. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2020;14(5):965–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2020.06.042 11. Tuomi K. Eleven-year aging workers. 1997;23(1):1–71. 12. Reilly MC, Zbrozek AS, Dukes EM. validity reproducibility productivity activity impairment instrument. PharmacoEconomics. 1993;4(5):353–65. https://doi.org/10.2165/00019053-199304050-00006 13. Organization WH. 2030 agenda sustainable development. Sixty-Ninth World Assembly. Document A. 2016, p69.