This paper reports on a substudy within a larger study. Specifically this paper addresses the perception of the registered nurse and patient with regard to: (A) their readiness to be discharged and (B) the postdischarged utilisation of emergency departments (EDs) or their readmission in four linked Magnet designated hospitals in the USA.

There is no doubt that the discharge of patients from the acute care setting without adequate discharge planning prior to discharge can result in the need for readmission or emergency care. This is particularly the case …