An Integrative Review of Discharge Planning Interventions with Thai Stroke Patients

Abstract

Wanich Suksatan, Vachira Posai

As the second leading cause of death and a major cause of permanent disability throughout the world, stroke is a global public health problem. The number of strokes has increased steadily, and they are more prevalent in adults and older adults. Therefore, it is important to identify discharge planning interventions that can reduce stroke survivors’ readmissions, complications, and mortality. To examine the effect of discharge planning interventions on Thai stroke patients, an integrative review is conducted here. The review includes articles published between 2004 and 2020 taken from PubMed, Scopus, Ovid (PsycINFO), CINAHL, and ThaiJO. It proceeds by applying the PRISMA guidelines. Thirteen intervention studies were included in this review, which synthesizes evidence to inform healthcare providers and researchers about the effects of discharge planning interventions on stroke survivors. Our findings indicated the importance of discharge planning interventions for effectively preventing stroke survivors’ rehospitalization and reducing their complications and mortality. The interventions also increased stroke survivors’ quality of life, knowledge, and readiness, and improved the satisfaction of stroke survivors, caregivers, and healthcare providers. However, in Thailand, there is still not enough evidence regarding the effectiveness of discharge planning interventions for stroke survivors. Overall, the current review suggests that healthcare teams and researchers should implement such interventions for stroke survivors.