Economic evaluations of nursing discharge plans for patients with heart failure: results of a systematic review

Background: Heart failure represents a complex public health challenge due to its high morbidity, mortality, and associated healthcare costs. Nursing post-discharge interventions are strategic to mitigate hospital readmissions; however, their economic evaluation requires rigorous analysis. Objective: To systematically synthesize and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of discharge plans led exclusively by nursing staff in patients with heart failure. Methods: Systematic review registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022367527) covering the 2015–2023 period across six databases (Cochrane, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, VHL, and CRD). The methodological quality of economic evaluation studies was examined using the Abellán-Perpiñán et al. checklist [J.M. Abellán-Perpiñán, F.I. Sánchez-Martínez & J.E. Martínez-Pérez. La medición de la calidad de los estudios de evaluación económica: una propuesta de “checklist” para la toma de decisiones. Revista Española de Salud Pública, 83(1), 71–84 (2009)], and transferability to the Colombian healthcare context was assessed using the EURONHEED guide. Results: Out of 10,626 identified records, two decision-analytic model studies (n=2) met the inclusion criteria focusing exclusively on nursing discharge plans. Home visits and telephone monitoring demonstrated cost-effectiveness in their specific contexts (Brazil and US), reducing readmissions or increasing quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Conclusions: Exclusive systematic economic evidence on nursing discharge plans remains scarce, precluding generalization of their overall cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, available findings suggest promising clinical and economic benefits in tailored settings.