Systematic review and meta-analysis shows transitional care reduces readmission and MACE in PCI patients

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European journal of cardiovascular nursing Published April 29, 2026 Medically reviewed May 1, 2026 Study authors: Qiao Li, Li Sijia, Ma Haoming, Zhou Wenchao, Zhang Jianping, Tang Xingyi, Huang Rongrong, Wang Aoqi,… PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ By Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care

Key Takeaway

Transitional care interventions significantly reduce readmission and MACE in PCI patients, though high heterogeneity exists.

This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes data from randomized controlled trials involving 3345 patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The authors examined the impact of transitional care interventions on readmission rates, major adverse cardiovascular events, and functional or psychological outcomes. The analysis pooled results to calculate risk ratios and standardized mean differences for these measures.

The meta-analysis found that transitional care interventions significantly reduced readmission risk with a risk ratio of 0.56 and 95% CI: [0.32, 0.98]. Major adverse cardiovascular events were also significantly reduced with a risk ratio of 0.32 and 95% CI: [0.19, 0.53]. Quality of life showed significant improvement with a standardized mean difference of 0.66 and 95% CI: [0.31, 1.00].

Functional and psychological outcomes also demonstrated positive effects. Left ventricular ejection fraction improved with a standardized mean difference of 0.62 and 95% CI: [0.24, 1.00]. The 6-minute walk test showed a positive effect with a standardized mean difference of 0.67 and 95% CI: [0.26, 1.08]. Anxiety and depression symptoms were reduced, with standardized mean differences of -0.59 and -0.82 respectively.

The authors noted substantial heterogeneity for several outcomes, including readmission at 51.7%, quality of life at 89.5%, left ventricular ejection fraction at 65.5%, the 6-minute walk test at 83.0%, anxiety at 85.6%, and depression at 95.4%. Safety data and adverse events were not reported. The authors suggest future research should prioritize personalized plans based on patient and contextual factors to optimize effects.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

Sample sizen = 3,345

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedApr 2026

PMID41483818

View Original Abstract ↓

AIMS: This study aimed to systematically synthesize the currently available body of literature on the impact of transitional care intervention on health outcomes in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), focusing on clinical outcomes such as readmission rates, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and patient-reported outcomes such as 6 min walk test (6-MWT), quality of life (QoL), and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between intervention dosage (including duration, components, and intensity) and improvement in patient health outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases from their inception to November 2024, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. This search included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed at assessing the effects of transitional care on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing PCI. Softer R was used to perform meta-analysis. Twenty-seven studies involving 3345 participants were included. The meta-analysis results showed that transitional care interventions significantly reduced the readmission risk (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: [0.32, 0.98], I2 = 51.7%) and MACE (RR = 0.32, 95% CI: [0.19, 0.53], I2 = 0%). The QoL was significantly improved (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI: [0.31, 1.00], I2 = 89.5%). Furthermore, these interventions had a positive effect on LVEF (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI: [0.24, 1.00], I2 = 65.5%) and 6-MWT (SMD = 0.67, 95% CI: [0.26, 1.08], I2 = 83.0%). Also, they contributed to the reduction of anxiety (SMD = -0.59, 95% CI: [-0.97, -0.22], I2 = 85.6%) and depression (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI: [-1.53, -0.12], I2 = 95.4%) symptoms in patients. CONCLUSION: Transitional care has been shown to have a positive impact on both clinical (e.g. readmissions, MACE, LVEF) and patient-reported (e.g. 6-MWT, QoL, anxiety, depression) outcomes post-PCI. It would be beneficial for future research to prioritize personalized plans based on patient and contextual factors to optimize effects. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42024606447.

Systematic review and meta-analysis shows transitional care reduces readmission and MACE in PCI patients

Study Details

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Systematic review and meta-analysis shows transitional care reduces readmission and MACE in PCI patients

Study Details

Digital serious games improved public health knowledge and attitudes versus traditional education in 19 countries

Digital games boost health knowledge and attitudes in nonprofessional participants

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

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