ASSESSMENT OF NURSING-LED DISCHARGE COUNSELING ON PATIENT PREPAREDNESS FOR HOME CARE.

Mr. Shair Muhammad Hazara; Ms. Noreen Kousar; Ms. Aqsa Quddus; Ms. Naela Naseer; Ms. Madiha Asghar; Samina Yasmeen; Mr. Atif Ullah; Ms. Maryiam Shifa; Mr. Touseef Ahmed

Authors

Mr. Shair Muhammad Hazara
Ms. Noreen Kousar
Ms. Aqsa Quddus
Ms. Naela Naseer
Ms. Madiha Asghar
Samina Yasmeen
Mr. Atif Ullah
Ms. Maryiam Shifa
Mr. Touseef Ahmed

Keywords:

Nurses, Patient discharge counseling, Discharge planning, Cross-sectional study, Nursing education, Patient outcomes

Abstract

This descriptive cross-sectional study assesses the Assessment of Nursing-Led Discharge Counseling on Patient Preparedness for Home Care at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi. A random sample of 50 nurses from various units participated in the study, with data collected through a structured questionnaire designed to evaluate their knowledge and practices in discharge planning and counseling. The results revealed that half of the nurses (50%) agreed that discharge planning is an essential nursing responsibility, but only 60% felt they participated effectively in it. A significant proportion (66%) reported regularly conducting discharge needs assessments, while 48% strongly agreed that physicians were actively involved in the process. Similarly, 48% noted that families were involved in discharge planning, and 44% agreed that discharge planning usually began early during hospitalization.

However, 36% disagreed that they lacked sufficient time for discharge planning. Most nurses (57%) agreed that overall discharge planning met patient needs, 64% emphasized the importance of documenting all discharge activities, and 42% highlighted the inclusion of discharge planning in the Nursing Care Plan (NCP). Additionally, 62% agreed that new staff members were given appropriate orientation for discharge planning.

The study highlights that although nurses possess adequate knowledge about discharge counseling, inconsistencies in practice remain. Targeted educational programs and structured guidelines are recommended to enhance nursing competencies and ensure effective discharge transitions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.