Understanding the Challenges of Readiness for Hospital Discharge in Stoma Patients: A Mixed-Methods Study

AimTo identify key factors influencing readiness for hospital discharge and delve into the experiences of stoma patients regarding their discharge.DesignA mixed-methods study.MethodA total of 374 colorectal cancer patients with stomas were involved to assess discharge readiness and its influencing factors. Additionally, 28 stakeholders-comprising surgeons, nursing managers, surgical nurses, enterostomal therapists, stoma patients and their family caregivers-participated in semistructured interviews. Data on discharge readiness, discharge teaching quality, stoma self-efficacy and social support were collected using validated scales. In-depth interviews provided further insights into discharge preparation experiences. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using IBM SPSS 26.0 and thematic analysis via NVivo 12.0 were employed for data analysis.ResultsSix variables accounted for 80% of the variance in discharge readiness: quality of discharge teaching, stoma self-efficacy, social support, age, gender and family income. Four main themes emerged: ambivalence towards discharge, insufficient preparation time, inadequate communication of discharge information and personal planning needs.ConclusionDischarge readiness among stomas patients is influenced by perceived discharge teaching quality, self-efficacy, social support, age, gender and family income. Insufficient preparation and poor communication hinder effective discharge information transfer. Enhanced, patient-centred discharge planning is expected to improve the transition from hospital to home.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareTo improve hospital discharge readiness and facilitate a smooth transition to family care, it is essential to implement patient-centred discharge planning.Reporting MethodReported with the Mixed Methods Reporting in Rehabilitation & Health Sciences guidelines.Patient or Public ContributionNone.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ChiCTR2200058756.