Abstract
Introduction: Heart failure is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality, with frequent readmissions mainly due to poor self-care knowledge and low medication adherence. These readmissions increase healthcare costs and reduce patients’ quality of life. Evidence shows that physician-prescribed, evidence-based information prescriptions (IPs) can enhance self-management and reduce readmission rates. This policy brief aims to propose strategies in this direction, taking an effective step toward achieving health equity and elevating the quality of care.
Methods: This policy brief was developed using a mixed-methods approach, including a 12-month randomized controlled trial among 120 heart failure patients at Shahid Madani Cardiovascular Teaching Hospital, a systematic review of evidence (Cochrane, UpToDate, and MedlinePlus), and expert focus group discussions. Evidence was synthesized and translated into policy recommendations with review. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi-square, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox regression). A p-value of less than 0.05 (P≤0.05) was considered statistically significant at all stages of the analysis.
Results: Findings from the trial and expert analyses led to four interconnected policy recommendations: institutionalizing information prescription for heart failure patients as a national standard of care; establishing evidence-based information delivery units in cardiac and teaching hospitals to provide personalized patient education; developing a formal triangular collaboration framework among Clinical Team (Cardiologists and Nurses), medical librarians and Patients to coordinate educational activities; and launching a digital heart failure information prescription system integrated with national electronic health records to automate patient communication and follow-up.
Conclusion: Integrating Information Prescription into Heart failure care supported by evidence-based delivery units, interdisciplinary collaboration, and digital platforms can improve patient outcomes and system efficiency.