Effects of self-management intervention on health outcomes of patients with heart failure: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
2006

Self-Management Interventions for Heart Failure Patients

Sample size: 857 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jovicic Aleksandra, Holroyd-Leduc Jayna M, Straus Sharon E

Primary Institution: University of Toronto

Hypothesis

Do self-management interventions reduce hospital readmissions and improve health outcomes in heart failure patients?

Conclusion

Self-management programs for heart failure patients decrease overall hospital readmissions and readmissions specifically for heart failure.

Supporting Evidence

  • Self-management decreased all-cause hospital readmissions.
  • Self-management decreased heart failure readmissions.
  • The effect on mortality was not significant.
  • Adherence to prescribed medical advice improved.
  • Quality of life scores did not show significant improvement.

Takeaway

Teaching heart failure patients how to manage their own health can help them avoid going back to the hospital.

Methodology

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing self-management interventions for heart failure patients.

Potential Biases

Some studies did not clearly specify blinding or allocation concealment.

Limitations

Not all studies reported on mortality or quality of life, and there was variability in study quality and demographics.

Participant Demographics

Participants were primarily older adults, with a mean age ranging from 56 to 76 years, and included both males and females.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001

Confidence Interval

0.44 to 0.80

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2261-6-43

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