Date of Award
Fall 12-8-2024
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Nursing
Department
Wellstar School of Nursing
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Kawther Hamash
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Heart failure (HF) represents a significant and growing public health challenge with a substantial impact on patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The national burden of cost related to HF is expected to increase with the aging population. Identifying cost effective methods to treat this population appropriately is critical. Analysis of current literature shows a lack of comprehensive review on positive patient outcomes associated with care at a heart failure clinic (HFC). Therefore, this integrative review aims to outline key benefits and outcomes associated with nurse-led HFC and identify limitations and areas for further study.
Methods: The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Health Literature (CINAHL) Plus, OVID, PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar were searched. The search utilized mesh terms “heart failure clinic” and “nurse practitioner” with use of interchangeable terms indicated.
Results: Eleven records met inclusion criteria, findings suggest that the nurse led HFC is an effective intervention for reduction in hospitalizations due to HF exacerbation and reduction in cost of care. Positive outcomes associated with nurse led HFC were earlier access to follow up care, optimized use of guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) and patient specific improvements in functional capacity, self-care skills, and quality of life.
Conclusions: The review focused on the effectiveness of nurse-led HFC in managing HF compared to traditional care models. HF patients managed in nurse-led HFC clinics showed improved outcomes, had reduced health care cost, reduced hospitalization rates, and improved overall quality of life. The effectiveness of nurse-led clinics in providing comprehensive, patient-centered care bridges gaps in the transitional care period between the hospital and home. Future research should focus on building and implementing standardized referral protocols to nurse-led HFC.