Exploring Discharge Preparedness of Patients With Stroke: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of patients in a rehabilitation center who had experienced a stroke, regarding their concerns about discharge and life after stroke. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used and unstructured interviews were conducted with 100 patients with stroke. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and themes in the data, ensuring an in-depth understanding of the participants' experiences. Results: Three themes were generated from the analysis: (a) general post-hospitalization concerns, (b) concerns regarding the ability to handle activities of daily living, and (c) post-discharge aspirations and goals. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the diverse perspectives of patients with stroke regarding discharge from rehabilitation centers. A person-centered approach for patients with stroke is an important step for coordinating discharge planning. Developing a personalized care plan for meeting patients' needs is critical to address fundamental care issues.