Empathy, access, and delays: determinants of oncology care satisfaction in Polish academic and nonacademic hospitals.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is characterized by high incidence and mortality rates, making it one of the leading causes of premature death in populations worldwide. Currently, approximately 197 million individuals globally are living with CHD. In China, CHD presents a significant public health challenge. The prevalence of CHD among Chinese residents aged 18 and older stands at 758 per 100,000, equating to roughly 11.39 million patients. Notably, there is an increasing trend towards younger age groups being affected by this condition. Research indicates that the incidence of CHD among individuals under the age of 55 has been rising annually. Specifically, the average annual growth rate for CHD incidence in residents aged 20–49 years reaches as high as 6.37%. Consistent with global trends, all metrics—including prevalence, incidence, mortality rates, and associated economic costs—are on the rise within the young and middle-aged population (ages 18–60). Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), recognized as a primary treatment modality for coronary heart disease, has been shown to significantly alleviate angina symptoms while reducing patients’ risk of mortality. In China alone, approximately 1.421 million patients undergo coronary interventions each year. Young and middle-aged individuals bear considerable family and social responsibilities, positioning themselves as the primary contributors to the creation of social wealth and serving as a vital pillar for both familial economic stability and emotional support. Following PCI, these individuals often face the challenge of reintegrating into society and resuming work while managing their health condition. Return to work (RTW) refers to patients returning to their original jobs or taking up new paid positions. This process holds significant importance in enhancing economic benefits, improving quality of life, alleviating negative emotions, and fulfilling personal self-worth. Currently, the proportion of young and middle-aged patients with CHD who return to work within a specified timeframe is relatively low. A meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of RTW among patients with CHD is 58%. Furthermore, a study involving 3291 patients from 24 European countries revealed that 76% of these individuals returned to work between six months and three years post-discharge. Additionally, a prospective cohort study revealed that approximately 89% of patients resumed work within three years following PCI. Among Iranian myocardial infarction patients, it was found that 77% returned to work after one year. Research conducted by Chinese scholars has shown that only about 60% of young and middle-aged CHD patients were able to return to work three months after discharge, while the RTW rate for those undergoing PCI was merely 55.9% one year post-discharge.