The Current Status and Factors Influencing the Discharge Readiness of Parents of Children With Pneumonia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

BackgroundPneumonia is the primary cause of pediatric hospitalization and the most frequent cause of death among children under the age of five in China. The parental discharge teaching quality and discharge readiness have a significant impact on children's health outcomes and readmission.Research AimThe study was conducted to assess the discharge readiness and the quality of discharge teaching of parents of children with pneumonia, examine their relationship, and identify key influencing factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2023. Participants, a total of 202 parents, were given anonymous questionnaires on the day of discharge, including the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Parent Form and the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale-Parent Form.ResultsThe results showed a medium level of discharge readiness and a low level of discharge teaching quality. Additionally, there was a strong positive association between the aforementioned. The quality of discharge teaching, parents' perceived severity of the child's illness, the child's age and the child's disease status were the main factors determining discharge readiness.ConclusionsPediatricians are encouraged to consider this outcome to develop targeted interventions that improve parental discharge teaching, discharge readiness and post-discharge outcomes for children with pneumonia.