Evaluation of a nurse-led intervention program in heart failure: A randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nursing
• Public Health

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) disease management programs have shown varied results in clinical trials.
• Developing effective and simple interventions is crucial for improving HF patient prognosis and quality of life (QoL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nurse-led clinic intervention program for heart failure patients.
• To assess the intervention's impact on patient prognosis, healthcare costs, and perceived quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial involving 127 patients with reduced ejection fraction HF.
• Patients were allocated to standard care or a nurse-led intervention program (1:2 ratio).
• Primary endpoint: all-cause mortality and hospital readmissions; Secondary endpoints: QoL (MLHFQ), mortality, and readmission rates.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the primary composite endpoint (mortality and all-cause readmissions) after a 2-year follow-up.
• Significantly reduced heart failure (HF) readmissions in the intervention group (18% vs. 35%).
• Significant improvement in perceived quality of life (QoL) in the intervention group (p=0.04).

Conclusions:

• Nurse-led intervention programs can significantly enhance perceived quality of life in heart failure patients.
• This intervention effectively reduces hospital readmissions specifically for heart failure.