Readiness for Hospital Discharge Among Patients with T-Tubes: A Review of Influencing Factors and Interventions.

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to summarizes existing research on readiness for hospital discharge among patients discharged with T-tubes, with a focus on assessment tools, influencing factors, and intervention strategies, to establish a theoretical foundation for improving discharge preparation in this population.

METHODS

A structured literature review was conducted to identify and synthesize studies examining determinants of discharge readiness in patients with drainage tubes, particularly T-tubes.

RESULTS

Multiple factors were found to influence readiness for hospital discharge among patients with T-tubes, including age, living conditions, educational background, and the clarity and comprehensiveness of discharge instructions. In addition, external elements such as the availability of social support significantly impacted discharge readiness.

CONCLUSION

Discharge preparation for patients with T-tubes remains suboptimal in current clinical practice. Future research should prioritize the identification of key influencing factors and the development of individualized discharge plans or decision-support protocols to promote smooth transitions from hospital to home, reduce unplanned readmissions, and improve both patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life.