Effectiveness of a Nurse Practitioner–Led Collaborative Healthcare Model in Reducing Anxiety and Depression and Improving Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is a common chronic illness that often leads to anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life. These psychological issues can worsen health outcomes. A nurse practitioner-led collaborative healthcare model may help address both physical and mental health needs, improving overall patient well-being. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a nurse practitioner-led collaborative healthcare model in reducing anxiety and depression and improving quality of life in patients with heart failure. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the cardiology department of a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. A total of 100 patients with heart failure were recruited through random sampling and randomly assigned to 2 groups. The control group (n = 50) received standard care, whereas the experimental group (n = 50) received a 12-week intervention based on the collaborative healthcare model. RESULTS: Patients in the experimental group who received a 12-week nurse practitioner-led collaborative healthcare model intervention demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as notable improvements in quality of life. Compared with the control group, the experimental group exhibited a sustained trend of improvement at weeks 12, 16, and 20. CONCLUSIONS: The nurse practitioner-led collaborative healthcare model effectively alleviates anxiety and depression in patients with heart failure while significantly improving quality of life. This multidisciplinary collaborative approach reduces disease burden, enhances physical and mental health, and demonstrates substantial clinical applicability. It is recommended to promote this model in clinical practice to optimize care outcomes.