The aim of this systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled trials (non-RCTs, NRCTs) is to investigate the effectiveness and related costs of case management (CM) for patients with heart failure (HF) predominantly based in the community in reducing unplanned readmissions and length of stay (LOS).CM initiated either while as an inpatient, or on discharge from acute care hospitals, or in the community and then continuing on in the community.Adults with a diagnosis of HF and resident in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.CM based on nurse coordinated multicomponent care which is applicable to the primary care-based health systems.Primary outcomes of interest were unplanned (re)admissions, LOS and any related cost data. Secondary outcomes were primary healthcare resources.22 studies were included: 17 RCTs and 5 NRCTs. 17 studies described hospital-initiated CM (n=4794) and 5 described community-initiated CM of HF (n=3832). Hospital-initiated CM reduced readmissions (rate ratio 0.74 (95

作者：A L, Huntley；R, Johnson；A, King；R W, Morris；S, Purdy

来源：BMJ open 2016 年 6卷 5期