Abstract
This research aims to investigate the impact of continuity of care on individuals diagnosed with chronic heart failure (CHF), specifically examining its effects on their self-care capabilities, life quality, mental well-being, and physical condition. A total of 90 patients diagnosed with CHF and treated at our hospital between January and September 2023 were included in this retrospective controlled study. Propensity score matching was used to assign patients into 2 comparable groups: an intervention group and a control group (CG), each consisting of 45 individuals. The intervention group received a comprehensive continuity of care program in addition to standard nursing care, while the CG received standard care alone. The continuity of care model included components such as a collaborative multidisciplinary team, tailored patient education, emotional support, guidance on medication adherence, and consistent follow-up monitoring. The study assessed various outcomes, including patients' self-care performance, quality of life scores, psychological assessments via the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scales, physical health indicators, and the frequency of adverse cardiovascular events. Following the continuity of care intervention, patients in the intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in their self-care scores, increasing from 73.39 ± 4.02 pre-intervention to 89.41 ± 5.38 post-intervention (P < .05). In terms of quality of life, post-intervention scores were significantly better than those in the CG, indicating a positive shift. Physical capacity, measured by average walking distance, rose from 337.76 ± 23.87 m to 462.53 ± 26.28 m in the intervention group (P < .05). Regarding complication rates, there were no cases of myocardial infarction or sudden cardiac death in the intervention group, with only one case of arrhythmia, reflecting a notably lower complication rate compared to the CG (P < .05). These results suggest that continuity of care may play a key role in reducing adverse outcomes. The implementation of a continuity of care model for patients with CHF significantly improves their ability to manage their condition, enhances their overall quality of life, and contributes to better clinical outcomes. These findings emphasize the necessity of incorporating continuous care strategies into the standard management of CHF, offering important guidance for nursing professionals.