Table 3.

Themes, subthemes, and related practice and research implications

	Overarching Theme	Subthemes	Practice and research implications
Aim 1
Describe the cues (information) used in making a decision to utilize hospital discharge planning resources (DPN or SW)	Following the script	Routine DP situation	There may be 2 distinct patient situations requiring different discharge planning processes/models
		Non-routine DP situation	Staff RNs role in hospital discharge planning may be better if limited to routine situations that require only an admission assessment and activities on day of discharge
			Standardized screening to identify patients early in their hospital stay who would benefit by a DPN or SW involved in discharge planning
Aim 2
Staff nurses’ perception of their role in hospital discharge planning practice	RN as coordinator	Begins on admission	Discharge planning information needs to be readily accessible in the medical record
		Information hub	Predictable interactions to facilitate efficient verbal communication with staff RNs of their patients’ discharge planning should be explored
		Workflow disruptions	Formal education to prepare nurses to assume responsibility for discharge planning related decision making