Experience, barriers and facilitators of discharge readiness in patients with acute pancreatitis: a descriptive qualitative study

Objectives To explore patients' experiences of discharge readiness following acute pancreatitis (AP) and to identify perceived barriers and facilitators influencing readiness for discharge during the transition from hospital to home. Design A descriptive qualitative study guided by Meleis' Transitions Theory.

Setting Emergency and gastroenterology wards of Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. Participants 16 patients with AP were recruited; all 16 eligible patients approached agreed to participate (100% response rate).

Methods Data were collected between December 2024 and January 2025 through semistructured in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using Elo and Kyngäs's three-step qualitative content analysis framework, integrating conventional and directed content analysis.

The study adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Results Patterns of response reflected variability in patients' psychological adaptation during the transition process, including cognitive-emotional responses and relational interactions.

Factors influencing discharge readiness were identified across three theoretical domains. Nature of Transitions captured the dynamics of self-management, including awareness, engagement and behavioural evolution.