Factors influencing discharge readiness in acute leukemia patients and implications for nursing care: a mixed-methods study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the level of discharge readiness among acute leukemia patients, as well as the factors that influence it. METHOD: A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. A quantitative survey was administered to 289 adult acute leukemia patients who were hospitalized at two tertiary-level Class A hospitals from July 2024 to July 2025. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten patients. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the quantitative data and identify the factors influencing discharge readiness. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis based on Meleis's transition theory. RESULTS: The quantitative findings revealed that educational attainment, place of residence, method of medical payment, presence of chronic comorbidities, level of disease knowledge, unplanned readmission within 30 days, readiness for discharge, quality of discharge instructions, and social support significantly influenced patients' discharge readiness (p < 0.05). Qualitative analysis further illuminated the roles of personal status, external support systems, nursing interventions, and role transitions in the discharge process. The mixed-methods findings demonstrated that the quantitative and qualitative results corroborated and complemented each other. CONCLUSION: Discharge readiness among acute leukemia patients was moderate and influenced by multiple factors. This study suggests the implementation of individualized discharge instructions and continuity-of-care models based on systematic assessments to provide evidence-based support for optimizing patient recovery and enhancing quality of life.
Institutions: Qiqihar Medical University, Ningxia Medical University
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225649272