Aim: To explore whether Nurse Practitioner-led outpatient interventions targeting heart failure
patients can reduce hospital readmissions or emergency department visits, thereby improving
healthcare efficiency and demands on hospitals.
Background: Heart failure is a leading cause of hospital readmissions, contributing significantly
to healthcare system strain. Despite advancements in HF care, readmission rates remain high,
posing substantial clinical and financial burdens. Nurse Practitioners, with their expertise in
chronic disease management and holistic care, are well-positioned to address these challenges
through proactive, personalized post-discharge care.
Method: An integrative review synthesizing most recent evidence on Nurse Practitioner-led
outpatient care models for heart failure patients, focusing on their impact on readmissions and
emergency department visits.
Results: Evidence suggests that Nurse Practitioner-led interventions improve post-discharge
continuity of care, reducing preventable readmissions and emergency department visits. These
models effectively target key factors contributing to readmissions, including medication
adherence, dietary management, patient education, and timely patient follow-ups. Although no
ethical concerns were identified, additional rigorous research across diverse populations and
settings is necessary to solidify the evidence base and guide widespread implementation.
Conclusion: Nurse Practitioner-led care presents a viable and scalable strategy to improve
outcomes in heart failure management and alleviate healthcare system pressures. Further
research and policy support are crucial to expand and standardize these programs.
