The Impact of Nurse-Led Discharge Teaching on Readmission Rates in Postoperative Patients : A Literature Review
Corral Kettunen, Satu; Suolahti, Nelli (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202602052360
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202602052360
Tiivistelmä
Post-surgical hospital readmissions represent a significant challenge for the healthcare sector. Effective discharge education is crucial for supporting the transition from hospital to home and reducing postoperative complications that can lead to readmissions. Patient guidance and the transfer of information during discharge highlight the important role of nurses as frontline caregivers and providers of discharge teaching. The purpose of this study is to describe the impact of nurse-led discharge teaching methods on readmissions in postoperative surgical patients. The aim is to provide insight into nurse-led discharge teaching and its relationship to hospital readmission rates.
Relevant scientific studies for the thesis were identified by searches in two scientific databases; PubMed and CINAHL, as well as through Google Scholar and snowballing through citations. A total of 14 primary studies were selected and analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis to answer the two research questions posed in this thesis: (1) What are the different types of nurse-led discharge education provided to adult postoperative patients? And (2) How does nurse-led discharge education influence the rate of hospital readmissions?
This literature review was executed as a final thesis for the Degree Program in Nursing at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki. Results from the data analysis revealed several nurse-led discharge teaching methods, including follow-up-based, technological, multi-modal, structured, and individualized. The influence of these was demonstrated as reduced or increased readmissions, other positive effects, other negative effects, or no effect. The results indicate that nurse-led discharge education has the potential to reduce readmissions and improve post-operative patient outcomes. The effects of nurse-led discharge teaching varied according to the method; however, the majority led to a reduction in readmissions as well as other positive effects such as enhanced patient readiness, improved communication, and enhanced continuity of care. Although a few interventions showed no significant impact and one resulted in increased readmissions under specific conditions, results suggest that the types of nurse-led discharge education applied in the studies can be considered a valuable tool for supporting patients in the early post-discharge period.
Relevant scientific studies for the thesis were identified by searches in two scientific databases; PubMed and CINAHL, as well as through Google Scholar and snowballing through citations. A total of 14 primary studies were selected and analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis to answer the two research questions posed in this thesis: (1) What are the different types of nurse-led discharge education provided to adult postoperative patients? And (2) How does nurse-led discharge education influence the rate of hospital readmissions?
This literature review was executed as a final thesis for the Degree Program in Nursing at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki. Results from the data analysis revealed several nurse-led discharge teaching methods, including follow-up-based, technological, multi-modal, structured, and individualized. The influence of these was demonstrated as reduced or increased readmissions, other positive effects, other negative effects, or no effect. The results indicate that nurse-led discharge education has the potential to reduce readmissions and improve post-operative patient outcomes. The effects of nurse-led discharge teaching varied according to the method; however, the majority led to a reduction in readmissions as well as other positive effects such as enhanced patient readiness, improved communication, and enhanced continuity of care. Although a few interventions showed no significant impact and one resulted in increased readmissions under specific conditions, results suggest that the types of nurse-led discharge education applied in the studies can be considered a valuable tool for supporting patients in the early post-discharge period.