Participation preferences in discharge planning among patients with stroke in China: a cross-sectional study using latent profile analysis

Abstract

Person-centered care has been recognized as a core principle in modern nursing practice. However, when patients need to be transferred to long-term care, the preferences of patients regarding their involvement in this transition process have not been adequately addressed and systematically explored in existing research. This study aimed to explore the latent profiles of participation preferences of discharge planning in patients with stroke and analyze its associated factors, so as to maximize the discharge plan and transitional care. A total of 313 patients with stroke were recruited using convenience sampling. A general data questionnaire, Patient Participation Preferences Assessment, Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Health Behavior Scale for Stroke Patients were used in the investigation. Latent profile analysis was employed to classify patients’ preferences to participate in discharge planning, and unordered multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing the latent profiles of participation preferences. The average score for the preferences of stroke patients to participate in discharge planning was 62.97 \(\:\pm\) 10.07. Three latent profiles were identified: low participation-passive dependence type (40.6%), moderate participation-balanced adaptation type (21.7%), and high participation-information-driven type (37.7%). Furthermore, per capita monthly family income, pre-stroke living situation, main caregiver type, rehabilitation self-efficacy, and health behavior level were significant associated factors in the participation preference groups (all P < 0.05). The preferences of stroke patients to participate in discharge planning are at a moderate level, and there is significant heterogeneity. Clinical staff should identify the characteristics of the preferences of patients in different categories to participate in discharge planning, and develop targeted interventions for the low participation-passive dependence type. Not applicable.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. BMC Health Services Research, 2026 · DOI ↗