Development of a patient-and family-centered discharge planning tool: a pilot study at a regional hospital in central Taiwan
Journal
Taiwan Journal of Public Health
Journal Volume
42
Journal Issue
5
Pages
478-493
Date Issued
2023-10-01
Author(s)
Chang, Yu Ping
Yu, Yang Hao
Yu, Tsung Hsien
Yang, Ming Ting
Chiu, Wan Yu
Chang, Tzu Yen
Lin, Tse Hung
Abstract
Objectives: In this pilot study, we developed a patient and family-centered discharge planning tool (PFC-DP) for assessing hospital discharge readiness from the perspectives of Taiwanese patients and their families. Methods: From a hospital in central Taiwan, we enrolled patients aged ≥50 years. Their current self-care status and requirement for additional support before discharge were assessed using the newly developed PFC-DP tool. A follow-up assessment was conducted 30 days after discharge to obtain data on relevant health outcomes. Using these data, the validity and reliability of our tool were examined. Results: In total, 200 patients completed pilot surveys. The Cronbach’s alpha values of items on participant characteristics and on the requirement for additional support were 0.71–0.95 and 0.93–0.98, respectively. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed the validity of the tool when it was formulated to have 31 questions across 6 domains (self-care information, health education, self-care ability, mobility, ability to complete household chores, and social support). Patients who had reported more difficulties in self-care ability (p < .01), mobility (p < .05), and ability to complete household chores (p < .05) had more readmissions and worse health outcomes after discharge. Furthermore, patients who had reported requiring more mobility support had more readmissions and worse mobility after discharge (p < .05). Conclusions: The PFC-DP tool is valid and reliable, and it can complement discharge planning and enhance post discharge health outcomes. Large-scale studies involving populations outside of Taiwan are warranted. (Taiwan J Public Health. 2023;42(5):478-493).
Subjects
discharge planning | patient and family-centered | tool test
Publisher
Taiwan Public Health Association
Type
journal article