Advance-practice nursing in heart-failure management: an integrative review.

Abstract

The number of patients with heart failure (HF) is predicted to escalate into the next decade, whereas the number of cardiac specialists who are skilled in evidence-based recommendations in HF practice will struggle to provide available, quality care. The advance-practice nurse, whose focus is HF management, may be an important key to improving access to this growing aggregate. This integrative review indicates the positive cost-to-benefit ratio for the advance-practice nurse's collaboration in HF management. Other measurable nursing outcomes have yet to scratch the surface, thereby inviting studies into areas that will promote the patient's quality of life.