The relationship between readiness for discharge and anxiety in surgical patients

Abstract

Introduction: Surgery is a source of anxiety for patients. Assessing patients' discharge readiness and anxiety may contribute to improved recovery outcomes and healthcare planning. There is limited research on readiness for discharge and anxiety after surgery. This study aimed to determine the relationship between discharge readiness and anxiety of patients after surgery. Methods: This is a descriptive correlational study. The study was conducted with 294 patients in the surgical clinics of a state hospital in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey between March and November 2022. The Discharge Readiness Scale (0-10) and the State (20-80) and Trait Anxiety Scale (20-80) were used for data collection. t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation tests analyzed data. Results: According to the mean (SD) state anxiety 37.74(12.10) and trait anxiety 39.36(8.29) scores, the patients had mild anxiety (20-39). Their readiness for discharge 6.01(1.04) was at a moderate level. There was a moderately significant negative relationship between state anxiety and readiness for discharge scores (r = -0.564, P < 0.001) and a weak, significant negative relationship between trait anxiety and readiness for discharge (r = -0.462, P < 0.001). Age, educational status, employment status, history of surgery, chronic disease, and the clinic where the patient received treatment and care significantly affected the anxiety and discharge readiness scores. Conclusion: State and trait anxiety levels increased as patients' readiness for discharge decreased. It is recommended to consider that the process of preparing patients for discharge has a vital role in anxiety management.