OBJECTIVES: Heart Failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization and re-admission in many hospitals worldwide. A number of small randomized trials have attempted to determine whether multi-disciplinary discharge programs aimed specifically at educating patients can reduce rates readmission and mortality rates. This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of peri-discharge, multidisciplinary HF management programs. METHODS: We identified studies through an electronic search of 4 bibliographical databases, our own files, references lists, the Cochrane review database, consultation with experts, reference lists, abstracts from meetings, interviews with authors and tracked down unpublished studies and studies in progress. Eligible studies met the following criteria: Randomized controlled clinical trials of adult inpatients hospitalized for heart failure enrolled at the peri-discharge transition period offered HF-specific patient education intervention coupled with a post-discharge follow-up assessment that reported unplanned readmission or mortality. For each study we determined the eligibility using a checklist that we developed through consensus and the quality using the Jadad (ref) . Four authors independently assessed each study for eligibility agreement was rated using a weighted Kappa. For each study we calculated a relative risk ratio for readmissions and mortality for patients receiving enhanced education (Intervention) relative to patients receiving usual care (Control). RESULTS: A total of 529 citation titles were identified of which 8 randomized trials proved eligible. The pooled risk ratio (RR) for hospital readmission rates using a random effects model was 0.77, 95% confidence interval CI 0.68 - 0.84, p <0. .001 with a non-significant test for heterogeneity 0 = 0.25. There was no apparent effect on mortality, RR 0.0.98 CI 0.0.72 - 1.34, p = 0.9, with a non-significant test for heterogeneity p = 0.2. There was insufficient data to meaningfully pool intervention effects on quality of life or compliance. CONCLUSION: This systematic review suggests that specific heart failure interventions targeted at the discharge transition period significantly decrease hospital readmissions.