The implementation of clinical guidelines concerning return to work after myocardial infarction

Purpose: To examine the implementation, clinical effects, and adherence of occupational physicians to the clinical practice guidelines (CPG) published in 2003 in Israel, regarding return to work following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: We analyzed 3 populations referred to Maccabi Health Services occupational clinics for fitness for work examinations following AMI, either before the guidelines were published (group 1), after their first publications in 2003 (group 2) or after they were re-published in Harefuah Journal in 2007 (group3). Results: The documentation among groups 1,2,3 of different parameters like years of education (18.8%, 45.1%. 57.5%, p < 0.001), type of occupation (86.5%, 98.2%, 100.0%, p < 0.001) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (69.8%, 81.4%, 92.5%, p < 0.001) has all improved respectively over the years. No significant difference in sick leave was noted between the three populations. Conclusion: The CPG should be interdisciplinary in the phase of writing and publication. Economical resources are needed in order to implement CPG.Implications for Rehabilitation The clinical practice guidelines should be interdisciplinary in the phase of writing and should involve all rehabilitation professionals as a team. The clinical practice guidelines need disseminating widely alongside a resource plan in order to implement it.