Effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy for patients with heart failure and depression: A systematic review protocol.

Abstract

The objective of this review is to determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy for patients with heart failure and depression, aged ≥18 years, in institutionalized healthcare settings. More specifically, the review aims to identify which cognitive behavior therapy strategy/strategies, including the method of delivery, is the most effective for the management of depression in hospitalized patients with heart failure. The review question is as follows: Is cognitive behavior therapy effective in reducing symptoms of depression in patients with heart failure? This systematic review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness evidence. This review only includes randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy as a treatment for depression in adults (aged ≥18 years) with heart failure, compared with usual care, which might include medications.