Cardiopulmonary assessment prior to returning to high-hazard occupations post-symptomatic COVID-19 infection: a position statement of the Aviation and Occupational Cardiology Task Force of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology
Rienks R, Holdsworth D, Davos CH, Halle M, Bennett A, Parati G, Guettler N, Nicol ED (2022)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2022
Journal
Book Volume: 29
Pages Range: 1724-1730
Journal Issue: 13
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the recommendations of the Aviation and Occupational Cardiology Task Force of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology on returning individuals to work in high-hazard occupations (such as flying, diving, and workplaces that are remote from healthcare facilities) following symptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This process requires exclusion of significant underlying cardiopulmonary disease and this consensus statement (from experts across the field) outlines the appropriate screening and investigative processes that should be undertaken. The recommended response is based on simple screening in primary healthcare to determine those at risk, followed by first line investigations, including an exercise capacity assessment, to identify the small proportion of individuals who may have circulatory, pulmonary, or mixed disease. These individuals can then receive more advanced, targeted investigations. This statement provides a pragmatic, evidence-based approach for those (in all occupations) to assess employee health and capacity prior to a return to work following severe disease, or while continuing to experience significant post-COVID-19 symptoms (so-called 'long-COVID' or post-COVID-19 syndrome).
Involved external institutions
Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg
Germany (DE)
Academy of Athens / Ακαδημία Αθηνών
Greece (GR)
Technische Universität München (TUM)
Germany (DE)
University of Milano-Bicocca / Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, UNIMIB
Italy (IT)
Air Force Center of Aerospace Medicine
Germany (DE)
Germany (DE)
Academy of Athens / Ακαδημία Αθηνών
Greece (GR)
Technische Universität München (TUM)
Germany (DE)
University of Milano-Bicocca / Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, UNIMIB
Italy (IT)
Air Force Center of Aerospace Medicine
Germany (DE)
How to cite
APA:
Rienks, R., Holdsworth, D., Davos, C.H., Halle, M., Bennett, A., Parati, G.,... Nicol, E.D. (2022). Cardiopulmonary assessment prior to returning to high-hazard occupations post-symptomatic COVID-19 infection: a position statement of the Aviation and Occupational Cardiology Task Force of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 29(13), 1724-1730. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwac041
MLA:
Rienks, Rienk, et al. "Cardiopulmonary assessment prior to returning to high-hazard occupations post-symptomatic COVID-19 infection: a position statement of the Aviation and Occupational Cardiology Task Force of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology." European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 29.13 (2022): 1724-1730.
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