Evaluation of patient preparation for hospital discharge after gastrectomy

Introduction:
Diagnosis of gastric cancer poses difficult challenges to the patient’s daily functioning and requires preparation for self-care through participation in education provided by professionals. The patients’ participation in full education allows them to achieve an optimal level of self-care, and a high level of social support, acceptance of the disease, and self-efficacy is an opportunity to prepare for func-tioning in the home environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate preparation of patients for discharge from the hospital after gastrectomy due to cancer.

Material and methods:
The study covered 71 patients hospitalized at the University Hospital and the Stefan Żeromski Specialist Hospital in Cracow under-going gastrectomy for cancer. The study used the diagnostic survey method and the author’s questionnaire, the Illness Acceptance Scale, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Social Support Assessment Scale.

Results:
The subjects’ preparation for hospital discharge after gastrectomy was at a good level. Higher acceptance level of the disease, sense of self-efficacy, perception of support, age under 60 years, female gender, being married, and having higher education were associated with better preparation for discharge.

Conclusions:
Taking care of patients after gastrectomy and preparing them for discharge requires assessment of their cognitive and emotional resources as well as knowledge of their expectations for further self-care. An in-depth education regarding possible complications of diet, drug treatment, physical activity, and the need for follow-up visits plays a decisive role.