Factors Associated with Discharge Difficulty for Pediatric Patients：Factors Related to Patients and their Families

Abstract

Purpose：It is necessary to identify discharge difficulty factors to implement appropriate discharge planning interventions at early stages of hospitalization. However, the factors affecting discharge in Japan are still unclear. This study aimed to identify factors associated with discharge difficulty for pediatric patients.

Design and Method：Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a qualitative approach of 18 nurses with experience in pediatric patients’ care. Their average duration of work experience was 16.2 years. This study was approved by the ethics committee of our institution.

Results：The following 7 categories of patient factors were found to cause difficulties in seeking early discharge: unstable condition, poor nutrition, additional treatment, poor management, induction of medical care after discharge, requirement of in-home nursing after discharge, and requirement of rehabilitation after discharge. Additionally, the following 9 categories of family factors were identified: difficulty in confronting the child’s illness, disability of child’s care, hesitation about treatment decisions, difficulty in caring for the child, lack of support from family members for child care, unstable family relationships, financial concerns, need for house repair or relocation, and tendency to ignore the child’s needs. Thus, we clarified that patient and family factors influenced the discharge difficulty for pediatric patients.

Conclusion：A total of 16 categories of patient and family factors associated with discharge difficulty for pediatric patients were extracted.