Readiness for hospital discharge and associated factors in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the readiness for hospital discharge and the influencing factors among patients who have undergone Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery. Method: This mixed-method study was conducted between September 15, 2023, and March 22, 2024, in the cardiovascular surgery clinics of university and training-research hospitals in Antalya. The quantitative sample consisted of 124 patients, while the qualitative sample included 45 patients for facilitating factors and 79 patients for hindering factors. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Personal Information Form, the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale–Short Form (RHDS/SF), and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software, and qualitative data were analyzed through inductive content analysis. The reporting was carried out in accordance with the STROBE, COREQ, and GRAMMS guidelines. Results: The average RHDS/SF score was 6.56±1.4, and 63.7% of the patients were found to be not ready for discharge. The lowest mean score was in the "knowledge" subdimension (4.44±2.42), while the highest was in the "expected support" subdimension (8.85±1.32). Statistically significant differences were observed based on age, employment status, and patients' self-perceived readiness. A moderate positive correlation (r=0.33) was found between satisfaction with information received and readiness for discharge. Among patients identified as not ready based on RHDS/SF scores, the main emerging themes were "fear" and "anxiety." Conclusion: The majority of CABG patients were not ready for discharge, with only one in five being highly prepared. A significant relationship was found between readiness for discharge and satisfaction with information provided.