Heart failure is a complex disorder which requires active participation of patients in its management. A large literature has developed about the perceptions and misperceptions that the diagnosis entails and about the prognosis of heart failure. Different features of the disease process are highlighted by patients and the various professional groups involved in the management of heart failure. This review aimed to identify the key factors that need to be communicated about the diagnosis of heart failure to patients and their carers, the information needed about the disease and the support required to allow care to be optimised. 9.4.2 Review question: What are the information and support needs to be considered when communicating a diagnosis and consequent prognosis, to people with heart failure, their families and carers? For full details see review protocol in appendix A. Table 137: Characteristics of review question Objective The aim of this review is to identify the information and support needs of people with heart failure, their families and carers, when healthcare professionals are communicating a diagnosis and prognosis. Population and setting Patients with heart failure in a UK primary care, outpatient or community setting. Studies that relate to patient/staff experiences of communication regarding diagnosis or prognosis that occur during a patient s hospitalisation for heart failure will be included, where the issues identified are also relevant to communication in the community/outpatient setting. Patient, family and carer information and support needs will be considered. Context Any description of support and information needs of patients, families or carers relating to communication of a diagnosis or the prognosis of heart failure. Views can be provided by patients, families, carers or healthcare staff Review strategy Synthesis of qualitative research: thematic analysis- information synthesised into main review findings. Results presented in detailed narrative format. 