Chronic Diseases

Biography

Biography: Lijuan Xuan

Abstract

Background: Heart failure(HF) is the end stage of many cardiovascular diseases, which incurs a high prevalence, mortality and morbidity. An increasing number of studies showed that about 30% of the HF patients were readmitted within 30 days after discharge due to the clinical exacerbation. Recurrent hospitalizations not only worsen the heart function, but also increase the healthcare costs. Researchers have reported that high level of readiness for hospital discharge can lower the readmission rate. In addition, quality of discharge teaching(QDT) has emerged as a momentous factor influencing the readiness for hospital discharge(RHD). However, there is little research on the status of RHD and its association with the QDT in HF patients. Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess readiness for discharge and explore its correlation with the QDT in HF patients. Method: This is a cross-sectional study and a convenience sample of 160 patients were selected according to the inclusion criterions. Results: There were 88.8% (n=142) patients who were ready for discharge. The average scores of the readiness of discharge and the QDT were respectively (7.47±1.16) and (7.32±1.36). The scores of the RHD sub-scales from high to low were expected support (7.80±1.51), personal status (7.54±1.47), coping ability (7.48±1.66) and knowledge (7.27±1.57). There was positive correlation between the readiness of discharge and QDT in HF patients (r=0.457, P＜0.01). Conclusion: The RHD in HF patients presented in a medium level. There was positive correlation between readiness of discharge and QDT. Important consideration should be given to patient education and the training on discharge teaching skills also recommended for medical staff.