Discharge teaching, patient-reported discharge readiness and postsurgical outcomes in gynecologic patients undergoing day surgery: a generalized estimating equation

BACKGROUND: Gynecologic patients undergoing day surgery are discharged in an intermediate stage of recovery. The quality of discharge teaching and discharge readiness are important to patients’ postsurgical outcomes, but little research has focused on them. METHODS: Quality of discharge teaching and discharge readiness were measured, and Spearman correlations were conducted. Postsurgical outcomes were recorded on postoperative Day 1, postoperative Day 7, and postoperative Day 28. Generalized estimating equations were used to explore factors that influence postsurgical outcomes. RESULTS: Discharge teaching was verified to be positively correlated with the discharge readiness of participants. The generalized estimating equations indicated that discharge teaching skills, effects of doctors and nurses, patient-reported physical conditions and social support following discharge were protective factors for postsurgical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Doctors and nurses should improve discharge teaching skills and effects to improve the postsurgical outcomes of gynecological patients undergoing day surgery. At discharge, doctors and nurses should assess patients’ physical condition and facilitate a social support system.