Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Patients with urolithiasis undergoing double-J stent placement often face challenges during the post-operative period, including insufficient discharge preparedness and difficulties in self-management. Discharge planning can assist patients during this critical period. However, the effects of delivering a nurse-led discharge planning program remain under-studied. This study aims to apply the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model to develop and evaluate a nurse-led discharge planning intervention. AIM: This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a nurse-led, HAPA-based discharge planning intervention in improving discharge preparedness, self-management behaviors, and quality of life in patients undergoing double-J stent placement for urolithiasis. METHODS: A total of 86 patients with urolithiasis undergoing double-J stent placement will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group (HAPA-based discharge planning + usual care planning) or the control group (usual care planning). The intervention consists of four phases: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, delivered during hospitalization, with a 30-day follow-up post-discharge. Primary outcomes include discharge readiness, self-management ability, and quality of life, which will be assessed at baseline, discharge, and 7 and 30 days post-discharge. Secondary outcomes include complications following double-J stent placement and unplanned healthcare service utilization rate. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will provide empirical evidence supporting the application of the HAPA model in post-operative discharge planning for urolithiasis patients. If successful, this intervention could lead to significant improvements in self-management behaviors, reduce complications and unplanned healthcare service utilization rates, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400093503). VERSION IDENTIFIER: Version 1.0, 2024-11-07.