INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Heart failure management programs reduce hospitalizations. Some studies also show reduced mortality. The determinants of program success are unknown. The aim of the present study was to update our understanding of the reductions in mortality and readmissions produced by these programs, elucidate their components, and identify the factors determining program success. METHODS: Systematic literature review (1990 to 2014; PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) and manual search of relevant journals. The studies were selected by 3 independent reviewers. Methodological quality was evaluated in a blinded manner by an external researcher (Jadad scale). These results were pooled using random effects models. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2 statistic, and its explanatory factors were determined using metaregression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 3,914 studies identified, 66 randomized controlled clinical trials were selected (18 countries, 13 535 patients). We determined the relative risks to be 0.88 for death (95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.81 to 0.96; p < 0.002; I2 = 6.1%), 0.92 for all-cause readmissions (95%CI 0.86 to 0.98; p < 0.011; I2 = 58.7%), and 0.80 for heart failure readmissions (95%CI 0.71 to 0.90; p < 0.0001; I2 = 52.7%). Factors associated with program success were implementation after 2001, program location outside the United States, greater baseline use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, a higher number of intervention team members and components, specialized heart failure cardiologists and nurses, protocol-driven education and its assessment, self-monitoring of signs and symptoms, detection of deterioration, flexible diuretic regimen, early care-seeking among patients and prompt health care response, psychosocial intervention, professional coordination, and program duration. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the reductions in mortality and readmissions with heart failure management programs. Their success is associated with various structural and intervention variables.

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