[Nurse's confidence in addressing the discharge needs of disabled patient caregivers]

A challenge among nurses is giving appropriate counseling to the caregivers of disabled patients who are ready for discharge. This cross-sectional study was designed to determine levels of confidence among 413 nurses who perform this task in discharge planning units at one medical center and regional teaching hospitals in southern Taiwan. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire specifically designed for this study (Cronbach's alpha = .95). The data show: a) an average confidence score of 62.4 (S.D. = 15.04); b) a high-to-low order of scores regarding nursing confidence of providing medical care information (2.79) continuing care service (2.52) manpower services (2.07) and emotional support (2.02); c) according to the results a multiple regression analysis, the main predictors of confidence in this area are experience in dealing with disabled patients' discharge needs, nursing level, and administrative support (45.4% of total variance). It is hoped that this information will be of use to nurses and administrators involved in discharge planning, in-service education, and nursing education.