Predictors of long-term work participation among patients with cystic fibrosis undergoing lung transplantation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive caused by mutations in the gene encoding for the CF transmembrane conductance regulator protein. The life expectancy of people living with CF has increased considerably over the last decades, enabling them to participate in the labour force. Despite improvements in overall life expectancy, CF is a life-limiting disease and characterised by progressive lung destruction that finally leads to respiratory failure. Lung transplantation (LTX) remains the ultimate treatment option to improve the health-related quality of life and survival in carefully selected patients with end-stage CF lung disease. Return to work is recommended for LTX recipients, however, a variety of influencing factors (e.g., medical, psychological, demographic, societal) determine the process of professional reintegration including return to work. This study aims to explore determinants of post LTx employment status in the growing population of adult people with CF in order to support patients with regard to their career choices and to promote the process of return to work following LTX.