The Determining Role of Nurse Motivation in the Implementation of Discharge Planning in Hospital Inpatient Care

Abstract

Discharge planning is a dynamic and systematic process involving assessment, preparation, and coordination of health and social care services before and after patient discharge. Its successful implementation depends on several influencing factors, among which nurse motivation plays a central and determining role. Motivated nurses are more likely to perform discharge-related tasks consistently and effectively, contributing to improved continuity of care and patient outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between nurse motivation and the implementation of discharge planning in hospital inpatient units. A correlational design with a cross-sectional approach was employed. The study included 92 staff nurses selected through total sampling, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The results showed a significant relationship between nurse motivation and discharge planning implementation, with X² = 27.96 and p-value = 0.0001, indicated a positive association, demonstrating that higher levels of nurse motivation are accompanied by better discharge planning performance. In conclusion, nurse motivation functions as a key determinant of discharge planning implementation in inpatient settings. Strengthening nurse motivation is therefore essential to ensure that discharge planning is carried out effectively and supports optimal continuity of care.

Keywords: nurse motivation; discharge planning implementation; inpatient care