The Needs of Orthopaedic Patients in Discharge Planning

INTRODUCTION: Patients' transition from hospital to home could be challenging for patients and caregivers. This is of utmost importance for patients requiring special or long-term care such as post-orthopaedic surgery. Effective discharge planning is required to ensure that patients are prepared to and get continuous care after returning home to prevent complications. Patients' need assessment is essential to develop effective discharge planning to meet the patient's needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This mixed-method study aimed to determine the patient's needs to develop a discharge planning for total knee replacement surgery. The needs for 96 total knee replacement patients were assessed using the Needs Evaluation Questionnaire (NEQ). The in-depth interview primary focus was to explore the lived experience of the post-total knee replacement patients receiving care in the hospital. RESULTS: A total of 96 participants (100%) completed the NEQ questionnaire. Most of the needs concerned by the participants were expressed by at least 70% of them except the financial need (59.4%). The semi-structured interview found two elements which were a support group and patients’ needs in terms of emotional, physical and spiritual preparation in developing effective discharge planning. CONCLUSION: This study clarified that the patient needs assessment in the patient care plan.