Maru, S.Byrnes, J.Carrington, M.Stewart, S.Scuffham, P.2018-06-122018-06-122016European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2016; 15(1):82-901474-51511873-1953http://hdl.handle.net/2440/112792Background: The cost-effectiveness of heart failure management programs (HF-MPs) is highly variable. We explored intervention and clinical characteristics likely to influence cost outcomes. Methods: A systematic review of economic analyses alongside randomized clinical trials comparing HF-MPs and usual care. Electronic databases were searched for English peer-reviewed articles published between 1990 and 2013. Results: Of 511 articles identified, 34 comprising 35 analyses met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen analyses (51%) reported a HF-MP as more effective and less costly; four analyses (11%), and five analyses (14%) also reported they were more effective but with no significant or an increased cost difference, respectively. Alternatively, five analyses (14%) reported no statistically significant difference in effects or costs, and one analysis (3%) reported no statistically significant effect difference but was less costly. Finally, two analyses (6%) reported no statistically significant effect difference but were more costly. Interventions that reduced hospital admissions tended to result in favorable cost outcomes, moderated by increased resource use, intervention cost and/or the durability of the intervention effect. The reporting quality of economic evaluation assessed by the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist varied substantially between 5% and 91% (median 45%; 34 articles) of the checklist criteria adequately addressed. Overall, none of the study, patient or intervention characteristics appeared to independently influence the cost-effectiveness of a HF-MP. Conclusion: The extent that HF-MPs reduce hospital readmissions appears to be associated with favorable cost outcomes. The current evidence does not provide a sufficient evidence base to explain what intervention or clinical attributes may influence the cost implications.en© The European Society of Cardiology 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.navHeart failure; disease management; cost effectiveness; economic evaluation; healthcare expenditure; hospitalizationJournal article003008726110.1177/14745151145560310003687717000112-s2.0-84955559616286824Stewart, S. [0000-0001-9032-8998]