International Journal on Science and Technology

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Caregiver Discharge Readiness and Expectations After Pediatric Laparotomy: A Mixed-Method Analysis

Author(s) Ms. Kalaimani Thangamani, Prof. Dr. Shankar Shanmugam Rajendran, Prof. Dr. vel Murugan, Dr. Vanitha Narayanasamy Naidu, Ms. Vijayalakshmi SathishKumar, Ms. Sowmiya Bellora Benedict, Ms. Siva Ragavan
Country India
Abstract Safe discharge after pediatric laparotomy depends not only on surgical recovery but also on whether caregivers feel prepared to continue care at home. This mixed-methods study assessed hospital discharge readiness and explored discharge expectations among caregivers of children who underwent laparotomy at the Institute of Child Health, Chennai. An explanatory sequential design was used. In the quantitative phase, 60 caregivers of children aged 1-12 years who were eligible for discharge or had been discharged within 48 hours were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using sociodemographic and clinical proformas and the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale - Parent Version. In the qualitative phase, six caregivers were selected purposively and interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Descriptive statistics, chi-square testing, and thematic analysis were applied. Most caregivers were mothers (75.00%), female (76.67%), and aged 26-30 years (61.67%). Abdominal surgery was the commonest procedure (95.00%); 40 children (66.67%) stayed 1-3 days, and no postoperative complications were reported. The mean readiness score was 43.37 +/- 9.98 out of 80 (54.21%). Readiness was moderate in 56.67%, low in 33.33%, and high in 10.00% of caregivers. Significant associations were observed with caregiver age, gender, previous discharge experience, and hospital stay duration. Qualitative themes showed that caregivers valued family support and hospital guidance but needed emergency contact numbers, written medication schedules, wound-care demonstrations, diet charts, and emotional reassurance. Structured, family-centered discharge teaching may strengthen caregiver confidence and safer home recovery after pediatric laparotomy.
Keywords Caregivers, Patient Discharge, Laparotomy, Child, Postoperative Care, Pediatric Nursing
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 17, Issue 2, April-June 2026
Published On 2026-05-21
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