Specialized Post-Discharge Care For Patients With Surgical Injuries And Stoms: Reducing Readmissions And Economic Impact On Public Health

The post-discharge period is a critical phase for patients undergoing complex surgeries, especially those with difficult-to-heal surgical wounds and/or those with ostomies. The absence of specialized monitoring and lack of adequate guidance increase the risk of complications, readmissions, and clinical worsening, directly impacting the costs of the health system. This study aimed to analyze, through an integrative literature review, the contribution of specialized nursing care in the post-discharge period of patients with surgical wounds and ostomies. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases, in English and Portuguese, that addressed the role of stoma nurses in preventing complications and ensuring continuity of outpatient or home care. The results showed that the presence of specialized nurses significantly reduces readmission rates, improves clinical outcomes, accelerates wound healing, prevents complications in ostomies, and increases patient satisfaction. A positive economic impact was also identified, with a decrease in hospital costs related to avoidable readmissions. It is concluded that the implementation of specialized services focused on the care of postoperative wounds and assistance to ostomized patients constitutes a strategy with high clinical, social and economic impact. This approach contributes to the qualification of care, values the work of specialist nurses and strengthens the sustainability of the health system.