Pre-discharge readiness of hospitalised patients with heart failure and associated factors: A cross-sectional study

The increase in patients with heart failure is a global issue, and various symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue and shortness of breath, are associated with a decline in quality of life and high readmission rates. Many patients experience difficulties in managing heart failure at home. Readiness before discharge, including physical, psychological status, knowledge and ability to care, and expected support, is important.

To determine the level of and factors associated with readiness for hospital discharge among inpatients with heart failure METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. We included adult patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Tokyo, Japan, for heart failure treatment. The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Japanese version was used to measure the patients' readiness before hospital discharge. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to assess the impact of independent variables such as patient and clinical characteristics on the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale.

The readiness score for one of the subscales, 'expected support', was below 7 in the pre-discharge readiness scale. Younger age, living with someone, higher 'self-care maintenance' scores, and absence of history of hospitalisation for heart failure were associated with good pre-discharge readiness in patients with heart failure.

This study revealed that hospitalised patients with heart failure generally had low readiness before discharge and identified its relevant factors. The results can be used to identify at-risk patients at an early stage for additional and continuous support.