Improving transitional care after acute myocardial infarction: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally.
• Transitional care interventions improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization.
• Focus on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) transitional care is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map interventions for patients post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
• To identify effective strategies for improving cardiovascular health outcomes after AMI.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.
• Searched multiple databases (Cochrane, CINAHL, MEDLINE, JBI, SciELO) for studies from 2013 onwards.
• Included 75 studies published in English and Portuguese.

Main Results:

• Most studies combined multiple interventions for improved outcomes.
• Interventions enhanced lifestyle adherence, medication compliance, and self-management.
• Effective strategies included discharge planning, digital health, outpatient care, and coordination.
• Reduced cardiovascular-related ED visits, 30-day readmissions, and mortality post-MI.

Conclusions:

• Effective transitional care post-AMI requires integrated strategies.
• Need for enhanced methodologies to improve hospital-to-primary care transitions.
• Urgent need for new healthcare programs integrating discharge planning, digital health, outpatient care, and coordination.