Eighteen studies representing data from 8 countries randomized 3304 older inpatients with CHF to comprehensive discharge planning plus postdischarge support or usual care. During a pooled mean observation period of 8 months (range, 3-12
months), fewer intervention patients were readmitted compared with controls (555/1590 vs 741/1714, number needed to treat=12; relative risk [RR], 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.88).