spar0010">Systematic literature review (1990-2014; PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) and manual search of relevant journals. The studies were selected by 3 independent reviewers. Methodological quality was evaluated in a blinded manner by an external researcher (Jadad scale). These results were pooled using random effects models. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I<sup>2sup> statistic, and its explanatory factors were determined using metaregression analysis.
spar0015">Of the 3914 studies identified, 66 randomized controlled clinical trials were selected (18 countries, 13 535 patients). We determined the relative risks to be 0.88 for death (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.81-0.96; P < .002; I<sup>2sup>, 6.1%), 0.92 for all-cause readmissions (95%CI, 0.86-0.98; P < .011; I<sup>2sup>, 58.7%), and 0.80 for heart failure readmissions (95%CI, 0.71-0.90; P < .0001; I<sup>2sup>, 52.7%). Factors associated with program success were implementation after 2001, program location outside the United States, greater baseline use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, a higher number of intervention team members and components, specialized heart failure cardiologists and nurses, protocol-driven education and its assessment, self-monitoring of signs and symptoms, detection of deterioration, flexible diuretic regimen, early care-seeking among patients and prompt health care response, psychosocial intervention, professional coordination, and program duration.
spar0020">We confirm the reductions in mortality and readmissions with heart failure management programs. Their success is associated with various structural and intervention variables.