Nurse-led transitional care programmes in peripheral arterial disease: a scoping review of patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects between 3% and 10% of the global population. Transitional care programmes (TCPs) aim to ensure continuity between hospital-based acute care and primary healthcare. Nurses play a pivotal role in supporting this transition. TCPs may reduce hospital readmissions, emergency department (ED) attendances and improve patients' quality of life (QoL). This scoping review examines whether nurse-led TCP improves the management of patients undergoing lower limb vascular surgery, including the effectiveness of remote (telehealth) delivery.

METHODS

This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Eligible studies included adults hospitalised with peripheral vascular disease who had undergone major surgery. A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, JBI Evidence Synthesis and grey literature via Google Scholar was conducted for studies published between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2024.

RESULTS

Of 888 papers screened, 6 met the inclusion criteria. Nurse-led TCPs were associated with reduced hospital readmissions and improved patient reported QoL. No significant differences were observed in unplanned surgery, major amputation, or mortality.

CONCLUSION

TCPs are associated with improved patient QoL outcomes and reduces hospital readmissions when incorporating education, telenursing, and a multiprofessional approach - led by a transition nurse.