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.