Current status and factors influencing analysis on readiness of hospital discharge among elderly patients following hip and knee arthroplasty under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES To identify factors affecting readiness of hospital discharge (RHD) among Chinese elderly patients after hip or knee arthroplasty under Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). DESIGN This study followed the cross-sectional descriptive design and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guideline. METHODS Data from 511 elderly patients who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty in a tertiary hospital (October 2021 to August 2023) were analyzed. Participants completed demographic, the Blaylock Risk Assessment Screening Score (BRASS), the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) before discharge. Correlations and multiple linear regression identified factors associated with RHD. RESULTS The mean RHDS score was 100.45 ± 12.44, indicating moderate to high readiness. RHDS correlated positively with ADL (r = 0.586, p < 0.001) and negatively with BRASS (r = -0.501, p < 0.001). Regression showed that ADL, BRASS, gender, age, admission form, and surgical type were independent predictors (Adjusted R² = 0.414, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION/RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Elderly patients showed moderate to high RHD, which still requires improvement. Early evaluation, tailored discharge education, and follow-up nursing interventions can enhance recovery and reduce readmission. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening discharge readiness education in geriatric nursing practice.