Prolonged return to work and hampered work ability: Insights from a Scoping Review on the impact of long COVID on healthcare workers job performance

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) may have a higher risk of developing long COVID due to greater exposure to COVID-19, with symptoms extending beyond the acute phase impacting their daily living activities and job performance. Aims To systematically map the existing literature on the impact of long COVID on HCWs’ job performance, focusing on their time to return to work and work ability. Methods A scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidance included peer-reviewed studies in English or Spanish (January 2020–December 2024). Four databases were searched. Experimental, epidemiological and qualitative studies were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened records. Methodological quality was appraised using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal tool (MMAT). Results Nineteen studies were included, mainly European and predominantly cross-sectional. Long COVID was most often defined as symptoms lasting ≥ 3 months. Among HCWs with prior infection or whole-staff samples, prevalence ranged from 10% to 74%, with multiple reports above 50%. Thirteen studies evaluated RTW, with 19–63% resumed work within six months, commonly with restrictions, while around one in five remained unable to work in some cohorts. Full-time employment decreased markedly (e.g., 57% pre-infection vs 31% at follow-up). Between 16% and 40% required workplace adjustments such as reduced hours, reassignment, or avoidance of night shifts. Sixteen studies reported diminished work ability compared with pre-infection or unaffected peers. Greater symptom burden, particularly cognitive impairment and fatigue, consistently predicted poorer outcomes. One study estimated a mean of 223 days to reach current work-ability levels. Older age, depression, comorbidity, and acute disease severity were recurrent associated factors while evidence for gender and job category was inconsistent. Conclusions Long COVID delays RTW and reduces work ability in HCWs. Health services should plan long-term occupational follow-up, flexible reintegration pathways, and targeted accommodations while higher-quality longitudinal research refines risk and prognosis.