Readiness for hospital discharge and factors affecting it: a cross-sectional study of patients discharged from the surgical ward – pilot study

Introduction:
Due to the specificity of surgical treatment, the post-hospital period is associated with particular management, so it is important to check to what extent patients are ready for discharge. The aim of the study was to analyse readiness for hospital discharge and to determine the factors affecting it.

Material and methods:
The study involved 100 patients treated in the surgical ward of one of the Polish hospitals, who were examined on the day of discharge from the hospital. The research tool was the Canadian health outcomes for better information and care (C-HOBIC) questionnaire, validated and adapted to Polish conditions, supplemented with socio-demographic and clinical data.

Results:
The average overall readiness for discharge score indicates high readiness of respondents to leave the hospital. Older patients and patients with longer hospitalisation times were significantly more likely to have lower readiness for discharge. Patients admitted in an elective mode were characterized by higher readiness. The level of education, type of surgery, intake of permanent/regular/long-term medication and education during the hospital stay affected some components of readiness for discharge.

Conclusions:
Respondents were characterised by a high level of readiness for discharge. Age and mode of hospital admission are important factors influencing the readiness of patients discharged from the surgical ward. Therefore, medical staff should pay more attention to the individual needs of the patient.