Self-management behaviors for the care transition of cardiac patients: A scoping review

Studies have increasingly focused on the transition of care in heart disease. Self-management behaviors during these transitions are essential for ensuring effective care, reducing hospitalizations, and improving quality of life.

Identify self-management behaviors in patients with cardiac diseases during care transitions.

A scoping review was conducted following the JBI methodology and guided by the PRISMA-ScR. Searches were performed in six databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase, and LILACS) between January and February 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised studies addressing health self-management behaviors in patients of any age group with cardiac disease during a care transition process. Data synthesis followed Whittemore & Knafl's approach, and findings were analyzed using Meleis' Transitions Theory and presented in tables and diagrams.

Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria, predominantly from the United States and with cross-sectional designs. Fourteen positive behaviors (e.g., medication adherence, risk recognition, communication with providers, and lifestyle adjustments) and 21 negative behaviors (e.g., treatment interruption, lack of understanding of the medication regimen, limited follow-up, and addictive behaviors) were identified. These behaviors were mapped to the outcomes of restoration, maintenance, protection, and promotion as defined by the Transitions Theory.

The review underscores the centrality of medication management and education in the care transition for cardiac patients. Self-management behaviors are influenced by personal, social, and systemic factors, highlighting the need for structured nursing interventions, such as patient education, follow-up, and coordination across care settings, to strengthen continuity of care and prevent readmissions. It was noted that the topic of care transition is still underexplored in the literature, which limits the generalization of the data to all contexts of transition in cardiac disease.

PRISMA.