The Impact of Patient Education on Rehospitalization Rate and Quality of Life in Heart Failure Patients

Background and Aim: Heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) significantly impairs quality of life (QoL), leading to frequent hospitalizations, high mortality and high healthcare costs. This study sought to investigate whether education of patients could enhance QoL and reduce rehospitalization rates in patients with HFrEF. Materials and Methods: A randomized, follow-up trial was conducted in our center including 64 patients diagnosed with HFrEF, all of whom were receiving guideline-directed medical therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the nurse-led education group (n=32), which received structured education on HF management from trained nurses, and the routine care group (n=32), who received standard medical care without additional educational support. QoL was assessed using a validated questionnaire and clinical evaluations after 3 months, focusing on the performance of everyday activities (various aspects of daily life and depression), as well as the rehospitalization rate. Results: Educated group demonstrated significantly improved QoL. Additionally, none of the educated patients had rehospitalizations, while 34% of the non-educated group did. Conclusion: Education of patients has a positive impact on both the physical and psychological well-being of patients with HFrEF, thereby improving their QoL, reducing rehospitalizations and lowering healthcare costs.