Prevalence and factors associated with difficult discharges in outpatient physical therapy: A cross-sectional survey (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

• 68% of therapists report monthly difficult discharges.
• Key factors: compliance, goal clarity, psychosocial barriers.
• Recommendations: structured discharge protocols and shared decision-making.

"This cross-sectional survey of 347 outpatient physical therapists found that 68% experience at least one difficult discharge per month. Key factors included poor patient compliance, unclear goals, psychosocial barriers, and communication issues. The study highlights the need for structured discharge protocols and enhanced shared decision-making."