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ICU nurses' perceptions of discharge planning: a preliminary study
Wendy Chaboyer1, Michelle Foster, Elizabeth Kendall
1Faculty of Nursing and Health, Griffith University, Gold Coast Mail Centre, Bundall, Qld, Australia. w.chaboyer@mailbox.gu.edu.au
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing
|October 2, 2002
Summary
Intensive care unit (ICU) nurses see discharge planning as appropriate but face challenges like patient acuity and time limits. A systematic approach is needed for nurses to effectively manage hospital discharge planning.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Discharge
Background:
- The role of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in hospital discharge planning is not well understood.
- Effective discharge planning is crucial for patient outcomes and hospital efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore ICU nurses' perceptions of their role in hospital discharge planning.
- To identify potential barriers and facilitators to ICU nurse involvement in discharge planning.
Main Methods:
- A case study approach was employed.
- A survey was administered to all ICU nurses in a single hospital.
- Response rate was 100% of the 58 nurses surveyed.
Main Results:
- Over 70% of surveyed ICU nurses believed discharge planning is appropriate and not premature within the ICU setting.
- Key obstacles identified include high patient acuity, time constraints, and limited prior experience with discharge planning.
- Nurses perceive themselves as well-positioned to contribute to discharge planning.
Conclusions:
- ICU nurses are suitably positioned to contribute to hospital discharge planning.
- Barriers such as patient acuity and time limitations must be addressed.
- A systematic implementation strategy is essential for ICU nurses to successfully manage discharge planning.