Transitional Interventions to Reduce Readmissions for Heart-Failure Patients: An Integrative Review.

Research demonstrates that heart failure is one of the most common causes of readmission following hospitalization. Evaluating the options for transitional care in this population and further identifying what may be most effective for reducing hospital readmission is imperative for improving both patient safety and care quality. Aim: The purpose of this review was to assess the state of the science of transitional care interventions and their utility for reducing hospital readmissions in patients with heart failure during an 11-year period, from 2010 to 2021. Method: A systematic search was conducted within five databases, including CINAHL, EMBASE, OVID Medline, SCOPUS and Cochrane. Results: Thirteen studies were included. Four transitional care intervention were included such as home healthcare services, multidisciplinary team care, telephone support/follow-up, and telemonitoring. Conclusion: The evidence was consistent that home healthcare services were effective in decreasing readmission rates among heart failure patients, but telemonitoring programs were not effective. On the other hand, evidence differed regarding the effect of telephone support interventions and multidisciplinary team care in reducing readmission rates.