Factors influencing readiness for hospital discharge among patients undergoing laryngectomy

Aim To identify factors influencing readiness for hospital discharge among Chinese patients having undergone a laryngectomy and to provide evidence for developing future processes. Background Laryngectomy changes the functional and psychological state of laryngeal cancer patients considerably. However, influencing factors for discharge readiness among laryngectomy patients have hardly been investigated. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with Meleis' transitions theory as a guiding framework. This survey-based study was performed with 212 laryngeal cancer patients undergoing laryngectomy at a regional tertiary medical centre between August 2012 and September 2013. Results Quality of discharge teaching and having a designated caregiver after discharge were found to influence patients' readiness for discharge. Conclusion Clinical interventions such as nursing assessment on discharge readiness, assistance to coordinate postdischarge support and individualized follow-up planning should be integrated into future clinical processes in China. However, further investigations are needed to systematically align relevant results before clinical practices in Chinese settings are eventually changed.