Specialist nurses improve outcomes in heart failure.

There are growing numbers of heart failure specialist nurses, who are well placed to act as a point of contact for patients with chronic heart failure in acute and primary care settings. Analysis of four studies shows that the work of these nurses improves quality of life and reduces hospital admissions. However, fewer than half of the patients who could benefit from referral to a heart failure nurse are actually referred, and there is a need for health professionals to be educated about their role.