Key result
Palliative care significantly improved quality of life scores compared with usual care in adults with advanced heart failure (MD 1.36; 95% CI 0.89-1.83; P<0.00001).
Why the study?
Advanced HF significantly reduces quality of life due to severe symptom burden and psychological distress, prompting an investigation into the impact of palliative care interventions on these outcomes and mortality.
Do palliative care interventions improve quality of life and psychological well-being in adults with advanced heart failure compared to usual care?
Meta-Analysis (n=1,541)
Yes
Do palliative care interventions improve quality of life and psychological well-being in adults with advanced heart failure compared to usual care?
Palliative care interventions significantly improve quality of life and reduce anxiety in patients with advanced heart failure, though they do not impact mortality.
Supports palliative care integration in advanced HF; confirms QoL benefits across randomized trials.
Advanced heart failure (HF) significantly diminishes quality of life (QoL) due to severe symptom burden and psychological distress. This meta-analysis investigates the impact of palliative care interventions on QoL, psychological well-being, symptom burden, and mortality in adults with advanced HF. A systematic search of major databases through August 2024 identified 13 randomized controlled trials involving 1541 participants from the USA, China, Iran, and Sweden. Palliative care significantly improved QoL scores compared with usual care [mean difference (MD) = 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.89-1.83; P < 0.00001], with notable improvements using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire. Palliative care significantly reduced anxiety scores (MD = -0.39; 95% CI, -0.66 to -0.11), P = 0.006), especially when assessed with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. While no significant differences were observed for dyspnea or depression (P =0.56, P = 0.23, respectively). Mortality rates did not differ significantly between groups (P = 0.61). These findings highlight the potential of palliative care, particularly interventions incorporating symptom management and psychological support, to enhance QoL and reduce anxiety in advanced HF patients. However, further research is required to standardize these interventions and evaluate their long-term outcomes.
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Almaadawy et al. (2025) conducted a meta-analysis in Advanced heart failure (n=1,541). Palliative care vs. Usual care was evaluated on Quality of life (QoL) scores (MD 1.36, 95% CI 0.89-1.83, p=< 0.00001). Palliative care significantly improved quality of life scores compared with usual care in adults with advanced heart failure (MD 1.36; 95% CI 0.89-1.83; P<0.00001).
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