Mixed-methods study examining patients’ perceptions of the relationship between Discharge Teaching, Social Support, and Patient Readiness for Discharge

Background Safe hospital-to-home transitions are critical for older patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), yet many face post-discharge self-management challenges. While discharge education and social support are vital, their specific contributions to readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) in this population remain under-explored. Methods An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, China. First, a cross-sectional survey (December 2022–April 2023) assessed sociodemographic characteristics, discharge teaching quality, and RHD in older men (aged 60–80) following RARP. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA). Subsequently, a qualitative descriptive phase (August 2023–January 2024) involved semi-structured interviews with 20 purposively selected patients (10 inpatients, 10 outpatients) to explain quantitative findings. Interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis via NVivo 11. Results A total of 129 patients completed the survey (response rate: 84.9%; mean age 70.5 ± 5.1 years). Participants reported high RHD (mean 8.34 ± 0.63) and discharge teaching quality (mean 8.47 ± 0.45). IPA indicated that five key areas, including medical handling, fell into the “high importance–high performance” quadrant. Regression analysis identified discharge teaching quality (β = 0.599, p < 0.001) and social support (β = 0.210, p = 0.002) as significant predictors of RHD (adjusted R² = 0.449). Qualitative analysis of 20 interviews revealed two central themes: (1) “Personal support provided for gaining a sense of control,” highlighting the critical role of spousal care, economic security, and continuity of professional care in managing physical recovery; and (2) “Social support provided for personal growth,” emphasizing the need for peer interaction to reduce isolation and restore self-esteem and normalcy. Conclusions Older RARP patients generally exhibit high discharge readiness, significantly driven by discharge teaching quality and social support. While technical and tangible support from staff and spouses ensures physical safety and control, psychological adaptation requires broader social support, including peer validation and dignity preservation. Interventions should integrate structured education with enhanced social systems—such as peer groups and continuity of care models—to optimize recovery.