Return to work after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A literature review

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) results in poor health-related quality of life, increased mortality and physical limitations. Approximately 60% of COPD patients between 18-64 years does not have a connection to the workforce and the COPD patients in the workforce have more time off work due to illness. The aim of the current literature review was to examine COPD patients' return to work after exacerbation of COPD and predisposing factors in the population for detachment or delayed return to work.
Methods: The literature search was conducted in the databases Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Search terms regarding COPD and "return to work" was used.
Results: Only one article describing COPD patients' return to work after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Conclusion: There is a need for more studies investigating COPD patients' return to work after exacerbations, as well as an exploration of modifiable aspects in COPD patients' connection to the work force.