A qualitative study exploring discharge readiness experiences among patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy

PURPOSE: To explore the needs and experiences related to discharge readiness among patients after esophagectomy. METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study involved 12 patients who underwent esophagectomy at a tertiary-grade hospital in Tianjin between July and September 2025. Semi-structured interviews were conducted one day prior to discharge. Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the analysis: the coexistence of positive and negative emotions related to discharge readiness, perceived dilemmas regarding discharge readiness, and multidimensional challenges in post-discharge home care. CONCLUSIONS: These findings enhance healthcare professionals' understanding of the feelings and experiences of patients undergoing esophagectomy at the time of discharge. Serious attention should be paid to patients' emotions, self-care skills, and confidence in home rehabilitation. Personalized intervention strategies are crucial for effectively enhancing discharge readiness. This study provides a basis for conducting effective interventions to meet the discharge readiness needs of this patient group.