Patient and family perceptions and experiences of same-day discharge following percutaneous coronary intervention and those kept overnight

Objective: To explore perceptions and experiences of patients discharged the same day (or not) and their family members towards same-day discharge following percutaneous coronary intervention. Design and methods: A qualitative interpretative design. Semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with consented patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention, and their family members (n = 23). Data were analysed using a content analysis approach. Setting: This study was undertaken in the cardiac services department of an Australian tertiary hospital. Main outcome measures: Perceptions and experiences of same-day discharge. Findings: A total of 31 patients and 23 family members were interviewed. Two categories emerged from the analysis: communication challenges with hospital staff and perceptions of same-day discharge. Family members were often not provided discharge instructions, and some same-day discharged patients felt vulnerable following discharge. When asked, most participants perceived same-day discharge as a preferred option because of its comfort and convenience. Some expressed uncertainty towards same-day discharge due to feeling anxious and apprehensive. Others misperceived same-day discharge as a signal that their heart problem was fixed without realising their underlying chronic health conditions. Conclusion: Most patients and family members perceived same-day discharge as a preferred option. However, strategies are needed to support their transition from hospital to home, therefore, recognising and improving their long-term disease management.