Exploring orthopaedic patients’ experiences of hospital discharge: Implications for nursing care

Abstract

Background: Nurses play a key role in providing discharge education. With the increased demand for orthopaedic surgery and subsequent fast-track surgical programmes resulting in reduction in hospital length of stay, obtaining patient feedback about discharge is important to inform nursing practice of discharge.Aim: To explore patients' experiences of discharge from hospital following orthopaedic surgery.Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken with a sample of 34 patients discharged following orthopaedic surgery at a private acute Australian hospital. Individual semistructured telephone interviews were conducted and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.Findings: From the analysis, patient experiences have been described in three themes: (1) experiences of hospital discharge, (2) perceptions of discharge information, and (3) limitations of discharge information. Although participants reported being informed when discharged from hospital, more information about medication management, constipation, and wound care would have better supported their recovery to assist in their self-care.Discussion: Discharge experiences and perceptions varied between participants, highlighting the importance of nurses and other health professionals, in providing discharge information to meet individual patient needs. This included improved communication, information about the discharge process, management of medication, wound, and prevention of constipation as part of recovery. Conclusion:Patient feedback has highlighted that nurses need to provide more tailored discharge information for orthopaedic patients to support recovery to prevent postdischarge problems and hospital readmission.

Extended Length of Hospital Stay in Orthopaedic Surgery - Frequency, Severity, and Risk Factors Associated with Different Treatment Procedures

“…This may be associated with the bias on ELOHS introduced by the patients' discharge policy, which aims at allowing them to recover at home, and free bedspaces for new patients to help reduce the cost of care. Although some of the considerations for early discharge such as function and activity limitations, loss of independence, and the ability to manage pains have been associated with the mental outlook of the patients and rehabilitation [39], many patients have been shown to worry less about early discharge [39][40][41]. The major concern though is the patient's ability to manage pain and mobility [40].…”