Patients’ readiness for discharge: Predictors and effects on unplanned readmissions, emergency department visits and death

Readiness for hospital discharge and its association with post-discharge outcomes among oesophageal cancer patients after oesophagectomy: A prospective observational study

AIM

To examine the level and influencing factors of discharge readiness among patients with oesophageal cancer following oesophagectomy and to explore its association with post-discharge outcomes (post-discharge coping difficulty and unplanned readmission).

BACKGROUND

Oesophageal cancer is common and usually treated via oesophagectomy in China. The assessment of patient's discharge readiness gradually attracts attention as patients tend to be discharged more quickly.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study. The STROBE statement was followed.

METHODS

In total, 154 participants with oesophageal cancer after oesophagectomy were recruited in a tertiary cancer centre in Southern China from July 2019 to January 2020. The participants completed a demographic and disease-related questionnaire, the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale and Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale before discharge. Post-discharge outcomes were investigated on the 21st day (post-discharge coping difficulty) and 30th day (unplanned readmission) after discharge separately. Multiple linear regressions were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean scores of discharge readiness and quality of discharge teaching were (154.02 ± 31.58) and (138.20 ± 24.20) respectively. The quality of discharge teaching, self-care ability, dysphagia and primary caregiver mainly influenced patient's discharge readiness and explained 63.0% of the variance. The low discharge readiness could predict more risk of post-discharge coping difficulty (r = -0.729, p < 0.01) and unplanned readmission (t = -2.721, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Discharge readiness among patients with oesophageal cancer following oesophagectomy is influenced by various factors, especially the quality of discharge teaching. A high discharge readiness corresponds to good post-discharge outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE

Healthcare professionals should improve the discharge readiness by constructing high-quality discharge teaching, cultivating patients' self-care ability, mobilizing family participation and alleviating dysphagia to decrease adverse post-discharge outcomes among patients with oesophageal cancer.

PATIENTS OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Patients with oesophageal cancer after oesophagectomy who met the inclusion criteria were recruited.

Factors affecting the readiness for hospital discharge of initially treated pulmonary tuberculosis patients in China: a phenomenological study

BACKGROUND

Despite readiness for hospital discharge widespread popularity since readiness for hospital discharge introduction in 1979 and extensive study, readiness for hospital discharge among pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients has not yet been investigated. Moreover, the factors influencing this process remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the factors influencing readiness for hospital discharge in initially treated PTB patients using the capability, opportunity, motivation-behavior (COM-B) model.

METHODS

This phenomenological study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024. Face-to-face individual interviews were conducted with 18 initially treated patients with PTB according to a semistructured interview guide developed on the basis of the COM-B model. The interview data were subjected to analysis using NVivo 14 software and Colaizzi's method.

RESULTS

As a result, 6 themes and 14 subthemes were identified. Physical capability for readiness for hospital discharge (subthemes included poor health status, early acquisition of adequate knowledge about PTB, inadequate knowledge about readiness for hospital discharge), psychological capability for readiness for hospital discharge(subthemes included false perceptions about readiness for hospital discharge, high treatment adherence), physical opportunity for readiness for hospital discharge (subthemes included high continuity of transition healthcare, insufficient financial support, insufficient informational support), social opportunity for readiness for hospital discharge (subthemes included stigmatization, inadequate emotional support), reflective motivation for readiness for hospital discharge (subthemes included lack of reflection on coping with difficulties, intention to develop a readiness for hospital discharge plan), and automatic motivation for readiness for hospital discharge (subthemes included strong desire to be cured, negative emotions).

CONCLUSION

We established factors related to readiness for hospital discharge in initially treated PTB patients in terms of capability, opportunity and motivation, which can inform the future development of readiness for hospital discharge plans. To improve patients' readiness for hospital discharge, patients need to be motivated to plan and desire readiness for hospital discharge, patients' knowledge and treatment adherence should be improved, and patients' transition healthcare continuity and emotional support should be focused on. Moreover, the quality of readiness for hospital discharge and discharge education should be assessed in a timely manner to identify impeding factors and provide interventions.

Study on the effect factors of discharge readiness of total hip arthroplasty patients

Introduction

In order to explore the correlation between discharge readiness and Harris score or self-care ability of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) based on the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept. We carried out this single center retrospective study.

Methods

We enrolled 331 patients who underwent THA. These patients were divided into the higher score group and the lower score group according to median discharge readiness score. After the baseline data of these patients were compared, the effect factors of discharge readiness of these patients was analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses and mixed effects models.

Results

The results demonstrated that there was a correlation between discharge readiness and changes in Harris score 30 days after discharge (compared with that before surgery) in these patients. Besides, the Harris score and self-care ability 30 days after discharge were higher than those at the time of discharge. In addition, patients in the higher score group exhibited a higher Harris score compared with those in the lower score group. From the evaluation at different time points after discharge, there was a significant difference in the Harris score between both groups.

Discussion

It can be inferred that the discharge readiness of patients undergoing THA was correlated with the Harris score but not with the self-care ability. These results are expected to provide guidance for the physical and mental recovery of patients undergoing total hip replacement under the ERAS concept. Furthermore, these findings may contribute to higher diagnosis, treatment, and nursing levels of orthopedic medical staff.

Predictive analytics support for complex chronic medical conditions: An experience-based co-design study of physician managers' needs and preferences

PURPOSE

The literature suggests predictive technology applications in health care would benefit from physician and manager input during design and development. The aim was to explore the needs and preferences of physician managers regarding the role of predictive analytics in decision support for patients with the highly complex yet common combination of multiple chronic conditions of cardiovascular (Heart) and kidney (Nephrology) diseases and diabetes (HND).

METHODS

This qualitative study employed an experience-based co-design model comprised of three data gathering phases: 1. Patient mapping through non-participant observations informed by process mining of electronic health records data, 2. Semi-structured experience-based interviews, and 3. A co-design workshop. Data collection was conducted with physician managers working at or collaborating with the HND center, Danderyd University Hospital (DSAB), in Stockholm, Sweden. HND center is an integrated practice unit offering comprehensive person-centered multidisciplinary care to stabilize disease progression, reduce visits, and develop treatment strategies that enables a transition to primary care.

RESULTS

Interview and workshop data described a complex challenge due to the interaction of underlying pathophysiologies and the subsequent need for multiple care givers that hindered care continuity. The HND center partly met this challenge by coordinating care through multiple interprofessional and interdisciplinary shared decision-making interfaces. The large patient datasets were difficult to operationalize in daily practice due to data entry and retrieval issues. Predictive analytics was seen as a potentially effective approach to support decision-making, calculate risks, and improve resource utilization, especially in the context of complex chronic care, and the HND center a good place for pilot testing and development. Simplicity of visual interfaces, a better understanding of the algorithms by the health care professionals, and the need to address professional concerns, were identified as key factors to increase adoption and facilitate implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

The HND center serves as a comprehensive integrated practice unit that integrates different medical disciplinary perspectives in a person-centered care process to address the needs of patients with multiple complex comorbidities. Therefore, piloting predictive technologies at the same time with a high potential for improving care represents an extreme, demanding, and complex case. The study findings show that health care professionals' involvement in the design of predictive technologies right from the outset can facilitate the implementation and adoption of such technologies, as well as enhance their predictive effectiveness and performance. Simplicity in the design of predictive technologies and better understanding of the concept and interpretation of the algorithms may result in implementation of predictive technologies in health care. Institutional efforts are needed to enhance collaboration among the health care professionals and IT professionals for effective development, implementation, and adoption of predictive analytics in health care.

Discharge Readiness and Associated Factors Among Patients with Coronary Heart Disease After Stent Implantation: A Cross-Sectional Single Center Study

Aim

The aim of this study is to describe the readiness of hospital discharge of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) who have undergone coronary stent implantation and explore its influencing factors.

Methods

This is a cross sectional single center study. Convenient sampling was used to select patients who underwent coronary stent implantation in the Cardiovascular Department of a tertiary hospital in Chengdu from October 2021 to April 2022 as the research subjects. Data were collected using the General Information Questionnaire, which included domains such as uncertainty in illness, the quality of discharge teaching, perceived social support, and health locus of control. The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) was used to assess readiness for hospital discharge. Multiple regression adjusted for relevant confounders was used to determine the associations.

Results

A total of 276 questionnaires were distributed, and 263 valid questionnaires were collected. The average item score of RHDS is 7.66 ± 1.13. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the influential factors of RHDS of patients who underwent coronary stent implantation included: deliver skill (β = 0.43), marital status (β = 0.12), living alone (β = -0.14), inconsistency (β = -0.22) and household income per capita (β = -0.12) (all P<0.05). The RHDS score of patients with CHD after coronary stent implantation were at a moderate level.

Conclusion

Discharge readiness was significantly associated with delivery skill, marital status, living alone, inconsistency of information, and household income per capita. The present study highlights the need for improved educational interventions and tailored discharge planning.

Effect of Orem's self-care model on discharge readiness of patients undergoing enterostomy: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of Orem's self-care model in preparing hospitals for the discharge of patients with colorectal cancer who undergo enterostomy.

METHODS

92 patients with enterostomy were recruited between February 2022 and February 2023 from a general tertiary hospital. The participants were assigned to either the intervention group or the control group randomly. The intervention group received Orem's self-care program and a three-month follow-up, whereas the control group received only routine care and a three-month follow-up. Discharge readiness, self-care ability, and stoma-quality-of-life data were collected at hospital discharge (T1), 30 days (T2), and 90 days (T3) after discharge.

RESULTS

The intervention group had substantially higher discharge readiness (knowledge, p < 0.001; coping ability, p = 0.006; personal status, p = 0.001; expected support, p = 0.021; total score, p < 0.001), better self-care ability at T1 (self-care knowledge, p < 0.001; self-care skills, p = 0.010), better total quality of life (QoL) at T1, T2, and T3 (p < 0.001; p = 0.006; p = 0.014); better stoma management and daily routine at T1 (p = 0.004; p < 0.001); and better daily routine at T2 (p = 0.009) than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The designed discharge readiness program based on Orem's self-care could promote effective patient discharge readiness, self-care knowledge, self-care skills, and QoL.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial number ChiCTR2200056302 registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Are patients ready for discharge from the hospital after fast-track total knee arthroplasty?-A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The fast-track based on evidence-based medicine, has dramatically reduced the length of stay for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, patients must assume the responsibility for self-functional exercise and care as early as possible. Also, higher standards and expectations of care delivery have been set. Studies into patients' experiences when faced with a discharge decision under a fast-track program are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

(1) Increase the knowledge about patients' experiences of discharged from hospital via a fast-track process after TKA. (2) Explore what gaps exist in the current discharge preparation care service for TKA under fast-track and what can be improved.

METHODS

A qualitative research design was chosen to conduct semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 21 patients from one Chinese hospital who successfully underwent TKA and received discharge orders. Interview data were meticulously analyzed, summarized and thematically distilled using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

RESULTS

Three themes emerged from the structural analyses: a) Preparing for discharge despite concerns about symptoms-a sense of joy at discharge despite feelings of helplessness, stigmatisation, anxiety about prosthetic function. b) Managing the rehabilitation difficulties-vigilance is needed for medication management, environmental changes, and intimate relationships. c) Creating conditions for safe transition-compassionate bedside manner, listening to patients, and providing a humanized continuing care and referral services are important for safe transitions.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that patients undergoing fast-track TKA report good discharge preparation experiences. However, closer analysis reveals difficulties with this process and important directions in which discharge readiness care services can strive.

Barriers and facilitators of readiness for hospital discharge in patients with myocardial infarction: a qualitative study: quality improvement study

Background

Readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) is a key concept in the discharge process. This study was conducted to explain the barriers and facilitators of preparation for discharge in patients with MI.

Materials and methods

A qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis from April 2021 to 2022. Data collection was done in a targeted manner through semi-structured interviews until the data saturation stage. Nineteen participants (11 patients, 3 family members, and 5 healthcare team) were interviewed. Data analysis was done in eight steps according to the suggested steps of Graneheim and Lundman. MAXQDA18 software was used for coding.

Results

From the interviews, 348 primary codes, 11 sub-categories, and 5 categories were extracted. Finally, after continuous analysis and comparison of interviews, codes, and categories, two themes including "supporting platform" and "caring atmosphere" were extracted, which were the result of the participants' experience and understanding of the barriers and facilitators of RHD. The supporting platform included "family support" and "social support" and the caring atmosphere included "care gaps" and "professional healthcare team performance".

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate several factors affecting RHD in heart attack patients. According to the results of the study, the participation of the patient, family, healthcare team, and community in creating RHD is recommended. It is also suggested to pay attention to these factors in care and treatment planning to help improve health and control complications and prevent re-hospitalization in these patients.

Theoretical concepts and instruments for measuring hospital discharge readiness: A scoping review

Background

The Discharge Readiness of adult patients in a hospital setting is a multidimensional concept which is becoming increasingly important internationally as part of discharge planning. To date, there has been a lack of reviews of existing measurement instruments as well as theoretical concepts of discharge readiness.

Objective

To provide an overview of existing measurement instruments and theoretical concepts regarding readiness for hospital discharge in adult patients.

Design and methods

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological manual and PRISMA ScR reporting principles. A literature search was conducted using the CINAHL and LIVIVO databases (including MEDLINE and PSYINDEX) in October 2021. After test screening, all identified articles were screened by two independent reviewers using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria before the content was extracted and mapped.

Results

Of the 1823 records identified, 107 were included in this review. Of these, 30 studies were included as development or validation studies of measurement instruments assessing discharge readiness, 68 were included as empirical studies with readiness for hospital discharge as the primary outcome or key concept, and nine publications were included as theoretical papers or reviews. Five dimensions of readiness for hospital discharge were extracted:1) Physical, 2) Psychological, 3) Education and Knowledge, 4) Adequate Individual Support, and 5) Social and Organisational Determinants. Of the 47 instruments identified for measuring discharge readiness, 33 were validated. The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) was the most frequently used instrument.

Conclusions

The systematic measurement of readiness for hospital discharge, particularly from the patient's perspective combined with the nurse's perspective, might be useful in reducing negative outcomes such as readmissions. This review provides an overview of existing and validated instruments for the systematic assessment of discharge readiness in acute inpatient care, as well as an overview of the theoretical concepts of readiness for hospital discharge. Further research is needed on the relationship between organisational determinants and readiness for discharge.

Parenting self-efficacy and parenting stress mediates the effects of the association of perceived social support and readiness for discharge among parents of children with primary nephrotic syndrome

PURPOSE

To investigate the level of readiness for discharge among parents of children with primary nephrotic syndrome and to explore the mediating role of parenting self-efficacy and parenting stress between perceived social support and readiness for discharge.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in five large tertiary general hospitals in Hunan, China. Data related to demographics, perceived social support, parenting self-efficacy, parenting stress, and readiness for discharge were collected from 350 parents of children diagnosed with primary nephrotic syndrome. Path analysis was used to determine the mediating roles of parenting self-efficacy and parenting stress in the relationship between perceived social support and readiness for discharge.

RESULTS

Parents of children with nephrotic syndrome in China experienced low perceived social support, low readiness for discharge, and high parenting stress. Factors influencing readiness for discharge include the child's age, duration of illness, first episode or relapse, parental literacy and marital status. Parenting self-efficacy and parenting stress mediated the effects of the association of perceived social support and readiness for discharge.

CONCLUSION

Perceived social support influences the readiness of parents of children with nephrotic syndrome. Parenting self-efficacy and parenting stress have a chain mediating effect of the association of perceived social support and readiness for discharge.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This study emphasizes the mediating role of the psychological state of the child's parents. Nurses should take steps to increase perceived social support and parenting self-efficacy of the child's parents and to reduce parenting stress in order to improve readiness for discharge.

Exploring readiness for discharge, quality of discharge teaching, and fear of disease progression in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A correlation analysis

BACKGROUND

To explore the correlation between the current status of discharge preparation, quality of discharge teaching, and fear of disease progression among patients with lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy to provide a basis for improving patients' level of preparation.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, convenience sampling was used to select 452 patients with lung cancer who received chemotherapy and were admitted to the Department of Medical Oncology of the Cancer Hospital, between February 2023 and April 2023. A general information questionnaire, discharge preparation scale, quality of discharge teaching scale, and fear of disease progression scale were used to conduct surveys 2 h before the patients were discharged.

RESULTS

The score for discharge preparation among lung cancer patients with chemotherapy was 99.11 ± 14.79 and the item score was 8.26 ± 1.23. The score for quality of discharge teaching was 193.23 ± 37.69, and that for fear of disease progression was 25.47 ± 8.92. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that sex, marital status, treatment period, quality of discharge teaching, and fear of disease progression influenced discharge readiness among patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the total quality of the discharge guidance score was positively correlated with the discharge readiness score (r = 0.288, p < 0.001). In contrast, the total fear of disease progression score was negatively correlated with the discharge preparation score (r = -0.252, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Discharge readiness among patients with lung cancer receiving chemotherapy was relatively at the good level, and there was a significant correlation between readiness for discharge, discharge teaching and fear of disease progression in these patients. Therefore, it is necessary to provide effective discharge guidance and implement targeted intervention measures to further improve patient preparation, reduce the fear of disease progression, and promote patient ability of coping with the disease and overall satisfaction.

Research trends in readiness for hospital discharge between 2002 and 2021: A bibliometric analysis

AIM

This study aimed to undertake a bibliometric analysis to provide comprehensive information in demonstrating the current status and outline the overall trends in the area of readiness for hospital discharge (RHD).

DESIGN

A bibliometric and visual analysis of RHD literature was undertaken.

METHODS

Articles were retrieved from the Web of Science network from 2002 to 2021. VOSviewer was used to identify the co-authorship network of countries/institutions, co-authorship and co-citation analysis of authors, and co-citation analysis of references and citation analysis of documents. CiteSpace was used to identify the keyword co-occurrence network and perform cluster analysis, detecting the keywords with citation bursts and speculated frontiers in this research field.

RESULTS

A total of 512 articles were included in the final analysis. Key findings are: (1) There has been a continuous but somewhat fluctuating rise in the number of publications. (2) 56.05% of publications come from the USA with Marquette University making the highest contribution. (3) Most publications (17, 3.32%) in RHD research were from the Journal of Clinical Nursing, and Anaesthesia and Analgesia had the highest number of citations (584 citations). (4) Weiss ME (25, 4.88%) was the most productive author whose articles have been the most highly cited (646 citations). (5) Cited references from Weiss ME (2007) also made the largest contribution to co-citations, and the most cited reference was from Jack BW (2009) (1022 citations). (6) The 20 most frequent keywords and keywords with the strongest citation bursts were retrieved. There were seven research hotspots, and three emerging research frontiers were explored.

CONCLUSIONS

The bibliometric analysis of material published in the last 20 years indicates that there have been statistically significant gains in comprehensive information on RHD, including the knowledge mapping of the countries, institutions, authors, references and keywords. The hotspots and frontiers, which have been explored can give guidance to researchers as to new angles and directions to take.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

The effects of the implementation of ERAS on RHD-related risk for adverse post-discharge outcomes in surgical patients will be of increasing concern for healthcare professionals. It is important for patients and their relatives to be confident that on discharge they are sufficiently ready for hospital discharge to enable them to safely and smoothly make the transition to home. Improving the level of RHD in discharged patients can help nurse managers and researchers measure the effectiveness of discharge planning services.

Readmission is experienced as inevitable among older adults receiving homecare: A qualitative interview study

BACKGROUND

Older adults receiving homecare have an increased risk of readmission. The transition from hospital to home can be experienced as unsafe, and older adults describe themselves as vulnerable during the post-discharge period. Thus, the objective was to explore the experiences of unplanned readmissions among older adults who receive homecare.

METHODS

We conducted qualitative individual semi-structured interviews with older adults, 65 years or above, receiving homecare and being readmitted to an emergency department (ED) between August and October 2020. Data were analysed by systematic text condensation as described by Malterud.

FINDINGS

We included 12 adults aged 67-95 years, seven were male, and eight lived alone. The analysis derived three themes: (1) Responsibility and security at home, (2) the role of family, friends and homecare and (3) the importance of trust. The older adults felt that the hospital strived for too-early discharge, as they still did not feel well. They worried about how to manage their daily life. Active involvement of their family increased their sense of security, but those living alone described feeling anxious being at home by themselves after discharge. Although older adults did not wish to go to the hospital, inadequate treatment at home and the feeling of responsibility for their illness made them feel insecure. They expressed that earlier negative experiences affected their trust in the system and their inclination to ask for help.

CONCLUSIONS

The older adults were discharged from the hospital despite feeling ill. They described inadequate competencies from healthcare professionals in the home as a contributing factor to their readmission. The readmission increased a sense of security. Support from the family in the process was essential and provided a sense of security, whereas older adults living alone experienced feelings of insecurity in the home environment.

Current Status and Influencing Factors of Readiness for Discharge of Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective

Readiness for hospital discharge is an important indicator of patients' transition from illness to health and can predict rehabilitation and prognosis. Identifying factors that influence readiness for discharge is crucial for developing effective nursing interventions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the current status of discharge readiness and its influencing factors in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

A total of 311 elderly inpatients diagnosed with COPD were enrolled in this investigation at a tertiary hospital in Chengdu between December 2021 and June 2022. Questionnaires were designed to collect general information, disease-related information, and responses to the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) and the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were employed to further analyze factors related to discharge readiness and the correlation between discharge readiness and the quality of discharge guidance.

Results

The total score of discharge readiness of elderly COPD patients was 77.72 ± 11.86 with a mean score of 6.48 ± 0.19 for each item. The quality of discharge instructions was 110.54 ± 15.66, with a mean score of 6.12 ± 0.15 for each item. Discharge preparation was positively correlated with the quality of discharge guidance. Multivariate analysis showed that marital status, admission mode, length of stay in hospital, Classification of Severity of Airflow Limitation, mMRC classification, number of medications taken with discharge, presence of inhalers in medication orders, mode of home oxygen therapy, and quality of discharge guidance were independent factors of discharge readiness in elderly COPD patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Both discharge readiness and the quality of discharge guidance for elderly COPD patients in China are currently suboptimal and need further improvement. The survey findings provide valuable insights that can guide future management practices and interventions aimed at improving discharge readiness.

Discharge Readiness and Associated Factors Among Postpartum Women in Tamale, Ghana

Ghana experiences a relatively high maternal mortality ratio, with the majority of maternal deaths occurring in the postpartum period. Discharge readiness is a reliable indicator of maternal health outcomes and involves a postpartum woman's perception of preparedness to leave the hospital following delivery. We measured the discharge readiness of postpartum women in Ghana through an institutional-based cross-sectional study involving 151 participants. Participants completed an interviewer-administered survey, and data analyses included linear regression models. The study sample demonstrated relatively high discharge readiness, with a mean score of 177.57 on a scale from 0.00 to 220.00. Higher gravidity was positively associated with discharge readiness score, while longer length of hospital stay and receiving educational handouts were negatively associated with discharge readiness score. Clinical interventions addressing the factors found to be associated with discharge readiness have significant potential to improve postpartum care and maternal outcomes in Ghana.

[Predictors for Early Unplanned Readmissions]

Predictors for Early Unplanned Readmissions Abstract. Unplanned rehospitalizations represent a major burden for patients, their relatives and the healthcare system. Since the introduction of the SwissDRG in 2012, financial incentives for hospitals have been promoted to forestall readmissions. Not every patient is at risk for rehospitalization. Affected patients can be identified by predictors from various areas in order to implement adequate interventions and avoid readmissions. Predictors can be directly related to patients as in the case of polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities or related to gender, but also provider-related and system-related. Early follow-up visits or a pre-discharge medication review are cited as effective interventions.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Dagbani Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-New Mother

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-New Mother (RHDS-NM), originally developed for use in English-speaking populations, is an instrument designed to measure women's perceptions of readiness for hospital discharge after birth. We translated and cross-culturally adapted the RHDS-NM into Dagbani and conducted reliability and validity assessments of the new Dagbani RHDS-NM in the Tamale Metropolitan Area, Ghana. The average scale-level content validity index was excellent at 1.00. The Dagbani RHDS-NM had a Cronbach's α reliability coefficient of .94. Exploratory factor analysis indicated four factors with Cronbach's α reliability coefficients of .958, .915, .899, and .667 that represented the Personal Status, Knowledge, Expected Support, and Coping Ability subscales, respectively. Our findings provide initial evidence to support the reliability and validity of the Dagbani RHDS-NM.

Associations of readiness for hospital discharge with symptoms and non-routine utilization of post-discharge services among cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy at home: A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Readiness for hospital discharge is associated with patients' health outcomes after they return home. However, little is known about this association among cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy at home. This study aimed to examine whether patients' reported readiness for hospital discharge was associated with symptoms and non-routine utilization of post-discharge services among cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy at home.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted, and 151 cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy were recruited from a provincial level hospital in South China between October 2018 and December 2019. The primary outcome was readiness for hospital discharge assessed by the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Short Form on the day of discharge. The secondary endpoints were symptoms assessed by MD Anderson Symptom Inventory and non-routine utilization of post-discharge services within one cycle of chemotherapy at home (21 days).

RESULTS

Among these 151 participants, 74.2% of them reported as ready for discharge. Patients who were employed, lived in suburban area or villages, had a higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, took Tegafur as oral chemotherapy, and took oral chemotherapy for the first time reported lower readiness for hospital discharge. These five factors explained 28.1% of variance in readiness for hospital discharge. Patients who were not ready for discharge were prone to report higher symptom severity (p = 0.038). No differences in non-routine utilization of post-discharge services were found between the readiness versus non-readiness for discharge groups (p = 0.891).

CONCLUSIONS

Most cancer patients receiving oral chemotherapy at home were ready for discharge, which was influenced by employment status, residence status, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, type of oral chemotherapy drug, and the experience of taking oral chemotherapy at home. Patients with lower readiness reported worse symptom severity at home. Routine assessment was suggested to recognize unready patients, and more extensive preparations for discharge were recommended to help them manage symptoms at home.

Discharge teaching, patient-reported discharge readiness and postsurgical outcomes in gynecologic patients undergoing day surgery: a generalized estimating equation

Background

Gynecologic patients undergoing day surgery are discharged in an intermediate stage of recovery. The quality of discharge teaching and discharge readiness are important to patients’ postsurgical outcomes, but little research has focused on them.

Methods

Quality of discharge teaching and discharge readiness were measured, and Spearman correlations were conducted. Postsurgical outcomes were recorded on postoperative Day 1, postoperative Day 7, and postoperative Day 28. Generalized estimating equations were used to explore factors that influence postsurgical outcomes.

Results

Discharge teaching was verified to be positively correlated with the discharge readiness of participants. The generalized estimating equations indicated that discharge teaching skills, effects of doctors and nurses, patient-reported physical conditions and social support following discharge were protective factors for postsurgical outcomes.

Conclusions

Doctors and nurses should improve discharge teaching skills and effects to improve the postsurgical outcomes of gynecological patients undergoing day surgery. At discharge, doctors and nurses should assess patients’ physical condition and facilitate a social support system.

Comparison of Nurses' and Patients' Readiness for Hospital Discharge: A Multicenter Study

Decision to discharge is often based solely on clinical criteria but readiness for discharge is multifactorial and perceived differently by patients, families, nurses, and physicians. This is an analytical cross-sectional study aimed to compare perceptions of readiness to discharge 452 patients and their assigned nurses on the day of hospital discharge. To compare perceptions of readiness to discharge patients and their assigned nurses on the day of hospital discharge via readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) self-reported questionnaire. The biggest difference between nurses and patients’ perception scores was in the knowledge subscale. The results of linear regression model showed that patients’ gender, education, occupation, ward, nurse’s age, and marital status predict the difference between nurses and patients’ perception of readiness. Hospitalization in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) department with increasing difference and the older age of nurses is associated with a decrease in the difference between the perception. Assessment of nurse’s self-readiness can help with the development of care and education planning tailored to patients’ needs before discharge.

Development of a Readiness for Hospital Discharge assessment tool in Thai patients with stroke

Background

The transition from hospital to home among patients with stroke is quite challenging. If the patients are not ready for hospital discharge, their condition may worsen, which also causes a high rate of readmission. Although instruments to measure readiness for hospital discharge exist, none of them fit with the Thailand context.

Objective

This study aimed to develop a Readiness for Hospital Discharge assessment tool in Thai patients with stroke.

Methods

The study was conducted from February to September 2020, which consisted of several steps: 1) conducting an extensive literature review, 2) content validity with five experts, 3) pilot testing with 30 samples, and 4) field testing with 348 participants. Content validity index (CVI) was used to measure the content validity, Cronbach's alpha and inter-item correlation to evaluate reliability, and multiple logistic regression analysis to measure the construct validity.

Results

The findings showed good validity and reliability, with I-CVI of 0.85, Cronbach's alpha of 0.94, and corrected item-total correlation ranging from 0.43 to 0.86. The construct validity was demonstrated through the results of regression analysis showing that the nine variables include level of consciousness (OR = 0.544; CI 95% = 0.311 - 0.951), verbal response (OR = 0.445; 95% CI 0.272- 0.729), motor power right leg (OR = 0.165; 95% CI 0.56- 0.485), visual field (OR = 0.188; 95% CI 0.60-0.587), dysphagia (OR = 0.618; 95% CI 0.410-0.932), mobility (OR = 0.376; 95% CI 0.190 - 0.741), self-feeding (OR = 0.098; 95% CI 0.036 -0.265), bathing (OR = 0.099; 95% CI 0.026-0.378), and bladder control (OR = 0.589; 95% CI 0.355-0.977) that significantly influenced the hospital readmission within 30 days in patients with stroke.

Conclusion

The Readiness for Hospital Discharge assessment tool is valid and reliable. Healthcare providers, especially nurses, can use this tool to assess discharge conditions for patients with stroke with greater accuracy in predicting hospital readmission.

The effect of discharge planning on length of stay and readmission rates of older adults in acute hospitals: A systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic reviews

AIM

To examine the effectiveness of discharge planning on length of stay and readmission rates among older adults in acute hospitals.

BACKGROUND

Discharge planning takes place in all acute hospital settings in many forms. However, it is unclear how it contributes to reducing patient length of stay in hospital and readmission rates.

METHODS

Seven systematic reviews were identified and examined. All of the systematic reviews explored the impact of discharge planning on length of stay and readmission rates.

RESULTS

A limited meta-analysis of the results in relation to length of stay indicates positive finding for discharge planning as an intervention (MD = -0.71(95% CI -1.05,-0.37; p = .0001)). However, further analysis of the broader findings in relation to length of stay indicates inconclusive or mixed results. In relation to readmission rates both meta-analysis and narrative analysis point to a reduced risk for older people where discharge planning has taken place (RR = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.84; p = .00001)). The ability to synthesize results however is severely hampered by the diversity of approaches to research in this area.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

It is unclear what impact discharge planning has on length of stay of older people. Indeed, while nurse mangers will be interested in gauging this impact on throughput and patient flow, it is questionable if length of stay is the correct outcome to measure when studying discharge planning as good discharge planning may increase length of stay. Readmission rates may be a more appropriate outcome measure but standardization of approach needs to be considered in this regard. This would assist nurse managers in assessing the impact of discharge planning processes.

Hospital discharge readiness on patients post hip surgery

Discharge readiness of post-hip surgery is the patients' preparation process, which is started before they discharge to the period after the patients return home. This study aims to identify the factors which influence the patients' discharge readiness after undergoing hip surgery. This study applied a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. The samples consisted of 90 post-hip surgery patients selected by consecutive sampling techniques. The results of multivariate analysis show that gender, socioeconomic status, planned admission, first hospitalization, previous admission for the same diagnosis, length of stay, discharge teaching quality, and caring coordination have a significant effect on 44.1% for discharge readiness of post-hip surgery patients (p=0.0001), in which the most influential factor is discharge teaching (β=0.318). Discharge teaching in hip surgery is one of the recommended interventions to increase patients' discharge readiness.

The factors of patient-reported readiness for hospital discharge in patients with depression: A cross-sectional study

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The attributes of readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) have been identified to be physical stability, adequate support, psychological ability, and adequate information and knowledge. Patient-reported RHD has been regarded as an outcome indicator, and poor RHD leads to unplanned readmission, emergency department visits and even death. Knowledge regarding patient-reported RHD and its factors among patients with depression is limited. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: RHD among patients with depression is at a moderate level. More than a quarter of people with depression had low RHD. The knowledge dimension of the RHDS among patients with depression should be further strengthened. The length of stay, content received and delivery dimensions of the QDTS were significantly associated with RHD. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: This study encourages nurses to assess patient-reported RHD at discharge in mental health settings. Nurses should pay more attention to patients with hospital stays longer than 20 days. Nurses could improve RHD by enhancing the quality of discharge teaching, particularly the content received and the skills nurses used to deliver such content. Nurses' managers could develop programmes to improve teaching skills via Internet technology, such as simulated patients and online interprofessional discharge planning. ABSTRACT: Introduction Low readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) can be followed by negative healthcare outcomes. However, no studies have investigated RHD among patients with depression. Aim This study aimed to examine patient-reported RHD and its factors among patients with depression. Method In total, 367 inpatients with depression were recruited and completed the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) and Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS). A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors of RHD among patients with depression. Results The total RHDS score was 7.70 ± 1.52. Approximately 28.9% of the participants had low RHD (RHDS score < 7). The results revealed that RHD was significantly associated with the length of stay, content received and delivery. Discussion RHD among patients with depression is at a moderate level. More than a quarter of people with depression had low RHD. To improve RHD, enhancing the quality of discharge teaching is imperative for patients with depression. Implications for Practice Nurses should pay more attention to patients with a hospital stay longer than 20 days. Nurses could improve RHD by enhancing the quality of discharge teaching, particularly the content received and the skills nurses used to deliver such content.

Examining the Relationship between Older Adults' Readiness for Discharge after Surgery and Satisfaction with Nursing Care and the Associated Factors

This study aimed to examine the relationship between older adults' readiness for discharge after surgery and satisfaction with nursing care and effects factors, using a descriptive, cross-sectional design that included 204 older adults. Examining the state of readiness for the discharge of older adults who underwent surgery in terms of the expected support sub-dimension of patients revealed that the presence of someone to support home care, the existence of health insurance, living with someone, undergoing emergency surgery, and being illiterate were statistically significant predictors. Thought of improvement in terms of nursing care between prior hospitalization and the latest hospitalization, use of intensive care unit, male, nursing care satisfaction, and the existence of health insurance were statistically significant predictors of the readiness for discharge in older adults after surgery in terms of personal status sub-dimension. Accordingly, an individual approach that takes these characteristics/variables into account is recommended when planning discharge.

A cross-sectional study of readiness for discharge, chronic illness resources and postdischarge outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcer

Aim

To investigate the correlation of readiness for hospital discharge, the chronic illness resources, and postdischarge outcomes of diabetic foot ulcer patients, which can be help for discharged patient rehabilitation.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐nine patients were recruited from the Endocrinology units of two tertiary hospitals between November 2018–September 2019, in Guangdong, China. The methods used were Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale, The Chronic Illness Resources Survey and one‐on‐one telephone interviews.

Results

Pearson correlation coefficients indicated moderate correlation between the readiness for discharge and resource availability for chronic illnesses (r = .446, p < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Chronic Illness Resources Survey, self‐care ability, methods of wound treatments after discharge, and living alone were the main predictors of readiness for hospital discharge among diabetic foot ulcer patients (F = 12.272, p < .001, R² = .621, Rad2 = .571). The study was limited by location, patient's recall bias and lack of BADL scale, which can be further improved in subsequent studies by developing multi‐centre clinical study and adopting more objective assessment tools.

Unreadiness for hospital discharge predicts readmission among cardiac patients: results from the national DenHeart survey

AIMS

Readiness for hospital discharge describes a patient's perception of feeling prepared to leave the hospital. In mixed patient populations, readiness for hospital discharge has shown to predict readmission and mortality in the short term. The objectives of a population of men and women with cardiac diseases, were to investigate: (i) whether readiness for hospital discharge predicts readmission and mortality within 1-year post-discharge, as well as (ii) the association between 'physical stability', 'adequate support', 'psychological ability', and 'adequate information and knowledge' and readiness for hospital discharge.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from the national cross-sectional survey DenHeart were used and included patients with cardiac diseases at hospital discharge. Readiness for hospital discharge was evaluated by one self-reported question, and attributes were illuminated by Short-Form-12, the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and ancillary questions. Data were combined with national registries at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Cox proportional-hazards model were used to regress readmission and mortality. The analysis included 13 114 patients (response rate: 52%). The majority responded that they felt ready for hospital discharge (95%). Feeling unready (n = 618) was a predictor of 1 year, all-cause readmission among women and men [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-1.74; HR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.34-1.90]. No significant results were found on all-cause mortality. The four attributes were associated with unreadiness at hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

Not feeling ready for hospital discharge was a predictor of increased readmission risk in women and men with cardiac disease during 1 year after hospital discharge. Four attributes were significantly impaired in patients feeling unready for hospital discharge.

The association between patient-reported readiness for hospital discharge and outcomes in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders: A prospective and observational study

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) has been an important topic for nurses. RHD can be measured by the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS), including 4 subscales: personal status, knowledge, coping ability and expected support. There are few studies that focus on RHD in patients diagnosed with mental disorders. WHAT DOES THE PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Improving patient-reported RHD can decrease the risks of unscheduled post-discharge clinic visits, readmission and poor quality of life (QOL) in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving patient-reported personal status can decrease the risk of poor QOL in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving patient-reported knowledge can decrease the risks of unscheduled post-discharge clinic visits and readmission in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving patient-reported expected support can decrease the risk of unscheduled post-discharge clinic visits in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Improving the methods of discharge teaching and anxiety severity can enhance RHD in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Nurses could enhance patient-reported RHD to reduce unscheduled post-discharge medical resource utilization or improve QOL by facilitating knowledge acquisition and skill development and improving social support systems. Nurse managers could add RHD assessment to patients' discharge process and train nurses in the methods of discharge education. Nurses could advance their methods of discharge education, such as listening to and answering patients' questions, choosing a convenient time and engaging in online education. ABSTRACT: Introduction The association between readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) and post-discharge outcomes remains unclear in individuals with anxiety disorders. Aim To explore the factors of RHD and the effect of patient-reported RHD on post-discharge outcomes. Method In the observational study, 373 patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders completed the self-administered Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) on discharge. After 30 days, phone interviews were conducted to collect data on post-discharge outcomes, including self-reported unscheduled medical service utilization, symptom severity and quality of life (QOL). Multiple logistic regression models were built to explore the relationships among sociodemographic characteristics, the RHDS and its subscales, and post-discharge outcomes. Results The unscheduled clinic visits were significantly associated with low RHD, knowledge and expected support. Readmission was significantly associated with low RHD and knowledge. Poor QOL was significantly associated with low RHD and personal status. Delivery, received content and anxiety severity were the predictors of RHD. Discussion Improved RHD is associated with fewer unscheduled clinic visits and readmissions and better QOL. Enhancing discharge education can improve RHD. Implications for practice Nurses should enhance patient-reported RHD to improve post-discharge outcomes by advancing the quality of discharge education in patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

The effect of caregiver's and nurse's perception of a patient's discharge readiness on postdischarge medical resource consumption

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to validate patient's primary caregiver and their nurse's perception of patient discharge readiness assessment and their association with postdischarge medical consumption.

DESIGN

The study employed a descriptive research, prospective longitudinal study design.

METHOD

The study was performed in a ward of a medical centre in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 2017-May 2018. Obtained data were analysed using an independent t test, one-way ANOVA and logistic regression approach.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

The number of comorbidities and the number of days of hospital stay were positively associated with post discharge emergency room visits. Caregiver readiness for hospital discharge had significant negative correlation with patient's 30-day readmission. Both caregiver and nurse readiness for the hospital discharge scale score were not factors associated with the patients' 30-day emergency room visit.

CONCLUSION

Based on the research findings, to assess the discharge readiness as perceived by caregivers at patients' discharge is recommended.

IMPACT

Caregiver and nurse scores on readiness for hospital discharge showed a significant positive correlation. The higher the score of a caregiver's readiness for a patient's hospital discharge, the lower the 30-day readmission rate. Family-centred care enables patients to safely pass though the transition phase from hospital to community and reduces the postrelease consumption of medical resources. The discharge readiness perceived by caregivers should be included in any decision-making.

The Analysis of the Influencing Factors related to the Effectiveness of Discharge Planning Implementation in Hospitals: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Discharge Planning is one of the agendas that is a part of nursing duties. This is not only complicated but it is also a long-term activity, starting from when the patients are admitted to hospital until they are allowed to go home. Factually, it cannot be denied that effective nursing discharge planning implementation will provide benefits for the patient, their family and the professionals within the health care setting. Based on those facts, the author composed this systematic review with the purpose of identifying the influential factors that have a role in terms of the effectiveness of nursing discharge planning implementation in hospitalsMethods: The researcher conducted their investigation in February 2019 and this involved the exploration of scientific papers from ProQuest and Scopus using the keywords ‘nursing discharge planning’, ‘effectiveness’ and ‘implementation’. This paper identified 15 relevant research articles from 500 original full texts. These papers were analyzed according to the inclusion criteria and the impeding factors in discharge planning implementation. It involved 1 quasi-RCT and 14 descriptive research studies.Results: As a result, from the 10.000 respondents, it was found that the enhancing factors include effective communication at 43% and the factors causing impedance in nursing discharge planning effectiveness includes the continuity of staff at 38 %.Conclusion: The dominant factor of impedance as stated in the interview sessions was a lack of time to do the nursing discharge planning properly.