Although many studies have demonstrated the efficacy of disease management programs on mortality, morbidity, quality of life (Qol), and medical cost in patients with heart failure (HF), no study has focused on psychological status as an outcome of disease management in patients with HF. Disease management could lead to the reduction of psychological distress, thus improving the self-care ability and adherence of patients with HF. In addition, very little information is available on the effectiveness of disease management programs in areas other than the US and Europe.The Japanese Heart Failure Outpatients Disease Management and Cardiac Evaluation (J-HOMECARE) has designed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of home-based disease management programs compared with usual care in improving psychosocial status, mortality, HF hospitalization, and Qol in Japanese HF patients.

Inclusion criteria

1. Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion criteria

1. End-stage HF defined as requiring mechanical support or continues intravenous inotropic support
2. A serious life-threatening illness with a life-expectancy of <6 months Within the past 3 months
3. Cognitive dysfunction
4. Substance abuse or psychotic disorder
5. Managed by visiting nursing
6. Long distance between patients' home and hospital