Influence of Comprehensive Nursing Care on Heart Failure Patient Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Heart failure is a common chronic illness associated with high readmission rates and death. Comprehensive nursing care, management of symptoms, and psychological support are increasingly seen as critical components of successful heart failure therapy.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of comprehensive nursing care on clinical outcomes and quality of life in heart failure patients.

We searched electronic databases (PubMed, PROSPERO, and Web of Science) for randomised controlled trials and observational studies on comprehensive nursing care treatments for heart failure patients. Data on readmission rates, mortality rates, and quality of life were obtained and examined.

A total of 693 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis found that comprehensive nursing care reduced heart failure-related readmissions considerably when compared to conventional therapy (odds ratio [OR]: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66-0.88, p = 0.0002). There was a significant difference in all-cause mortality (OR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.60-0.97, p = 0.03), but comprehensive treatment enhanced quality of life and functional status (standardised mean difference -0.05, 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.10, p = 0.49).

Comprehensive nursing care improves clinical outcomes and quality of life for heart failure patients. This study stresses the need to add comprehensive nurse interventions in normal heart failure treatment programmes.