The effectiveness of integrated care models involving family medicine, cardiac catheterization services, and nursing in reducing hospital readmissions for cardiac patients a systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63278/jicrcr.vi.3096Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of hospital readmissions, often resulting from fragmented care following cardiac interventions such as catheterization. Integrated care models—incorporating family medicine, cardiac catheterization services,
and nursing—have emerged as potential strategies to enhance care coordination and reduce readmissions. Objective: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of integrated care models involving family medicine, cardiac catheterization services, and nursing in reducing hospital readmissions among cardiac patients. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, five electronic databases were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2024. Inclusion criteria targeted adult cardiac patients receiving integrated care involving at least two of the three disciplines. Eighteen studies, including RCTs, cohort, and quasi-experimental designs, were selected and assessed using JBI tools. Results: Of the 18 studies reviewed, 83% reported statistically significant reductions in hospital readmission rates ranging from 17% to 35%. Key components of successful models included early discharge planning, structured follow-up with family physicians, nursingled transitional care (e.g., post-discharge calls or home visits), and use of electronic health
records for continuity. The integration was effective across diverse healthcare systems and settings, with stronger outcomes noted when all three care domains were involved. Conclusions: Integrated care models that combine family medicine, cardiac catheterization services, and nursing interventions significantly reduce hospital readmissions among cardiac patients. These findings support the adoption of structured,multidisciplinary care pathways to enhance continuity, reduce fragmentation, and improve
post-discharge outcomes in cardiac care.
