Colorectal patients’ readiness for hospital discharge following management of enhanced recovery after surgery pathway: A cross-sectional study from China

The aim of this study was to ascertain the status quo of perceived readiness for hospital discharge in colorectal cancer patients who underwent enhanced recovery pathway and identify the variables that affect patients’ perceptions about their readiness for discharge. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale and the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale were delivered to 130 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who underwent enhanced recovery pathway. Data collection was carried out 4 hours before discharge. The total score of readiness for hospital discharge was 149.86 ± 33.65. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the quality of discharge teaching, discharge to a rehabilitative institution were associated with the readiness for hospital discharge. The level of CRC patients’ readiness for hospital discharge needs to be improved. Medical staff should improve the quality of discharge guidance and pay more attention to patients transferred to rehabilitation institutions when they leave hospital.