Using C-HOBIC data in the assessment of readiness for discharge of patients of the clinic of plastic surgery – a preliminary report

Aim of the study
The aim of the research was to assess the readiness for discharge of patients of the Clinic of Plastic Surgery.

Material and methods
The research, which included 65 patients, was carried out in the Clinic of Plastic Surgery in Gdansk in 2018. A diagnostic survey was carried out using a questionnaire, consisting of the ”C-HOBIC discharge assessments” and the author’s questions. In the statistical analysis IBM SPSS 23 statistical package and Excel 2013 spreadsheet were used.

Results
The majority of the survey participants confirmed they had been provided with services related to health education (n = 59, 90.8%). Half of the respondents (n = 32, 49.2%) believe that the education was comprehensive, while 27 survey participants (41.5%) rated it as moderate. The patients demonstrated the highest level of readiness for self-care in terms of their ability to take medications as recommended, their knowledge about the medications they are currently taking, and the purpose of their use. The respondents demonstrated a limited and partial ability to understand the nature and causes of changes in the body, as well knowing to whom the patient should turn in case of a medical emergency or when they need assistance in everyday activities.

Conclusions
The preparation for the discharge of patients hospitalised due to surgery is insufficient. Gender and place of residence had a significant influence on the self-care resources of the patients. The C-HOBIC readiness assessment questionnaire proved to be a useful tool for diagnosing knowledge deficits among patients and planning health education activities.