A cross-sectional study to assess factors influencing Readiness for Discharge among post-operative older adults in selected hospitals in Udupi district, Karnataka.

This study aims to assess the readiness for hospital discharge among post-operative older adults and to identify the factors that influence this readiness in selected hospitals in Udupi district, Karnataka. As the population of older adults undergoing surgical procedures continues to grow, many patients experience challenges after discharge which may result in complications, stress, or hospital readmission. Therefore, understanding how prepared they feel to transition from the hospital to home or community settings is essential for improving discharge planning and ensuring safe recovery.The research will adopt a cross-sectional design and include 119 post-operative older adults selected through purposive sampling. Data will be collected using two tools:

1. Demographic and Clinical Proforma, and
2. Readiness for Discharge Scale, developed specifically for post-operative older adults and validated by experts, with reliability confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha.

The study will analyze how factors such as age, education, type of surgery, functional ability, caregiver support, and information received for home care relate to the patient’s discharge readiness. Statistical analysis will include descriptive statistics, correlations, group comparisons, and regression analysis where appropriate.

Although participants may experience minor discomfort while answering questions, there are no direct risks involved. The findings of this study may help improve discharge planning procedures, reduce unnecessary readmissions, and promote smoother transitions from hospital to home, ultimately enhancing recovery outcomes and quality of life for older adults after surgery.