Exploring the factors affecting the readiness for hospital discharge after total knee arthroplasty: A structural equation model approach

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the factors that influence readiness for hospital discharge in Chinese patients after total knee arthroplasty and to identify priorities for nursing interventions.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: From January to August 2022, data were collected from 339 patients at two tertiary A-level hospitals in Jinan, Shandong Province. SPSS 26.0 and Mplus 8.3 software were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Results from multiple linear regression showed that patients' age, residence status, education level, knee pain during sleep, quality of discharge teaching, self-efficacy for rehabilitation, pain control knowledge, and social support were factors influencing their readiness for hospital discharge. The results of the structural equation model had shown that there were also indirect effects of the education level, knee pain during sleep, quality of discharge teaching, and pain control knowledge.

Conclusion: Patients' readiness for hospital discharge needs further improvement, hence physicians and nurses should judiciously allocate medical resources and concentrate their efforts on high-risk groups characterized by low readiness for hospital discharge.

Implications for the profession and patient care: This study underscores the importance of physicians and nurses prioritizing key factors such as age, residency status, education level, and social support in total knee arthroplasty patients to enhance their readiness for hospital discharge. By implementing targeted discharge planning, effective pain management, and comprehensive rehabilitation education, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes.

Impact: This study identified key factors influencing readiness for hospital discharge in total knee arthroplasty patients, guiding targeted nursing interventions to improve post-operative care.

Reporting method: STROBE.

Patient or public contribution: The participants recruited for this study were actively engaged in the data collection process.

Keywords: influencing factors; readiness for hospital discharge; structural equation model; total knee arthroplasty.