The Effect of Technology in Overcoming Length of Stay (LOS) andits Implications for Heart Failure Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of heart failure with, along with prolonged length of stay (LOS), can increase the cost of medical care, drastically decrease the patients’ quality of life, and more worryingly lead to high mortality rate. This research sought to identify the effect of technology in overcoming LOS and its implications for heart failure patients.
Method: This research employed a systematic review with access to four article databases including Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, and PubMed within duration of 2017-2021, using specific keywords and MESH according to PICOS/PICOT. Quality assessment was done using the PRISMA Checklist where title, full-text abstract, and methodology were assessed for conduct of this systematic review. The results of extracting, tabulating, and analysing descriptive narratives were then briefly summarized.
Results: In Overall, the results revealed various methods being implemented, including telemonitoring, home monitoring of IT management specialists, multidisciplinary transition planning, individualized nutritional support, return trip board program (Visual), Palliative Care (ACP), revascularization therapy, outpatient inotropic therapy, body mass index, heart rate reduction therapy, Lung ultrasound (LUS), and phone tele-monitoring. These series, after being investigated, were proven to reduce LOS of heart failure patients and the program was able to reduce the rate of hospital care readmission.
Conclusion: The types of methods and programs in the intervention are very effective in reducing LOS in heart failure patients.