Return to work assessment in post COVID-19 patients

Abstract

At present, COVID-19 pandemics still continuing spread out. Workers is an important group to drive the country economy. They may have chances to contact the disease through transportation and work. Among COVID-19 patients, symptoms and signs are look like flu but the recovery period may extend longer. The suspected symptoms may affect on work and daily life activities of the patients. Return to work assessment is important. Thailand has announced a law related return to work assessment among formal employees according to the National Act for Labor Protection from Work-related Risk. Return to work assessment is useful in assessment of the readiness to fit for work of the patients’ health both physical and mental health. The assessment needs multi-sectoral collaboration among employers, employees, and physicians. Physician’s role is emphasized assessment and advice employees how return to work. The employees should give facts and fully comply to the physician’s advice. In addition, they should adhere to the “D-M-H-T-T-A” practices. The employers should facilitate work environment fit with the employees by considering both health and safety under the physician’s advice and follow the COVID free setting guidelines of the Department of Health. Moreover, follow up the employee’s symptoms during work and refer to hospitalize and receive treatment in a hospital should be emphasized. However, COVID-19 can spread and impact among every group of population. The employee is not defining only the formal sector and job type is not concerning only job-related risk, so return to work assessment is crucial for every job type. The physician should monitor symptoms, especially among the risk group and advice prior to return to work.