Factors Relating Readiness for Hospital Discharge Among Hospitalized Patients in Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Aim: To examine the readiness for hospital discharge and factors correlating hospital discharge in hospitalized patients in tertiary hospitals.
Design: A correlational study design was used to examine relationships among variables related to hospital discharge.
Method: The participants were two hundred and sixty seven persons who were Thai hospitalized patients admitted in two tertiary hospitals in Chiang Mai Province and were purposively selected. Four questionnaires were used: a Personal Information Form, the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale, the Care Coordination Scale, and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale. All of questionnaires were administered within 4 hours prior to discharge.
Result: Participants had a high level of readiness for hospital discharge, quality of discharge teaching, and care coordination. There was a significantly positive relationship between readiness for hospital discharge and quality of discharge teaching and care coordination (p< .01).
Conclusion: Findings from this study may enable nurses to develop an effective intervention program for the patients to be ready prior to hospital discharge and receiving a continuing care.