Dissertation
Standardizing Nurse-Led Assessment of Discharge Readiness in PACU
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2026
Abstract
Background: Variability in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge practices can result in inconsistent assessment of patient readiness, potentially affecting patient safety and workflow efficiency. Standardized discharge tools have been shown to improve consistency and support safe transitions of care. Purpose: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project aimed to develop and prepare for implementation of a standardized PACU discharge readiness scoring tool to enhance patient safety, reduce variability, and improve interdisciplinary communication in Phase I PACU settings. Methods: Guided by the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice, a multidisciplinary team developed a standardized discharge scoring tool aligned with institutional workflows and policies. Baseline data were collected using an anonymous survey of PACU nurses to assess attitudes and practices related to discharge readiness. Planned evaluation included pre- and post-implementation surveys, chart audits, and monitoring of patient safety outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Findings: Eighteen PACU nurses completed the baseline survey. Results demonstrated high agreement in confidence with discharge decision-making and the importance of standardized criteria (mean range 3.44–4.83). Median responses indicated strong agreement for most items. Lower agreement was noted regarding interdisciplinary understanding of discharge criteria. Implementation was not completed due to competing institutional priorities, limiting outcome evaluation. Discussion: Findings indicate strong nursing support for standardized discharge criteria and highlight opportunities to improve interdisciplinary alignment. Although implementation was not achieved, tool development and stakeholder engagement provide a foundation for future integration and evaluation.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Standardizing Nurse-Led Assessment of Discharge Readiness in PACU
- Creators
- Kristi Pryor - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Kathy Fear (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Date degree season
- Spring 2026
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2026 Kristi Pryor
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9985217824302771
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