Effectiveness of nurse-led electronic health interventions on illness management in patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a global health concern, and nurse-led electronic health is an effective management strategy for this condition. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify current patterns and strategies for nurse-led electronic health interventions and examine the effects of nurse-led electronic health interventions for illness management in patients with chronic heart failure. Design: This study combined a systematic review and meta-analyses. Participants: Twenty-four articles, involving a total of 3660 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Methods: We conducted a large amount of literature review using seven English databases: namely PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SCOPUS, along with three Chinese databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), WanFang, and the VIP Database. Databases were searched from inception until September 2022. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The studies were independently screened by two reviewers who extracted of the details of those meeting the inclusion criteria study. The Joanna Briggs Institute randomized controlled trial checklist was used to evaluate the methodological value of each incorporation study. Meta-analysis was performed by the use of Manager 5.3. Results: The main patterns of electronic health intervention involve smartphone, Internet and specialized (portable) electronic monitoring devices that are used for the illness management of patients with chronic heart failure, mainly including providing self-management guidance for chronic heart failure, and tracking of the patient's health information, providing peer support, and facilizing medical and health resources. The collective findings of 9 studies reported that electronic health interventions improved self-care (MD: 15.30, 95 % CI: 1.59 to 29.02, p < 0.05). Regarding psychosocial well-being outcomes, the incorporative conclusions indicated that electronic health interventions effectively increased quality of life, reduced depression and anxiety, and improved patient satisfaction. Regarding disease-related examinations, electronic health interventions significantly increased cardiac function during the 6-minute walk test. Regarding healthy economic outcomes, electronic health interventions significantly decreased the rehospitalization rate and the cost of medical care services. Conclusions: The findings of this review suggest that nurse-led electronic health interventions involving multiple patterns have an active influence on managing patients with chronic heart failure, including enhancing self-care, and medication adherence; increasing quality of life; reducing depression, anxiety, and improved patient satisfaction; increasing cardiac function, and reducing rehospitalization rate and hospitalization costs. Thus, it could be a promising alternative in the clinical settings. Registration: CRD42023389450.