Nurse-Led Discharge Program and Primary Care Outcomes: A Proof-of-concept Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Chronic diseases account for approximately 74% of global deaths and remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and in Hong Kong, particularly ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes-related complications. The growing burden of ageing populations and non-communicable diseases highlights the need to shift healthcare systems from secondary and tertiary care toward prevention-oriented primary health care (PHC). PHC serves as the first point of contact in a continuous healthcare process and is essential to a sustainable healthcare system. In response, Hong Kong is implementing a PHC reform through the establishment of District Health Centres to enhance population health and reduce pressure on public hospitals. Nurses, as the largest healthcare workforce, play a critical role in PHC delivery; however, nursing training in Hong Kong remains predominantly hospital-focused. Strengthening hospital nurses' roles in PHC-oriented discharge education may improve care continuity, patient self-management, and long-term health outcomes while reducing hospital readmissions and healthcare costs. The aims of study are as follows: 1. To determine the main effect of the Intervention vs. Control group on Patient Activation Measure at 3-month follow-up after discharge (Primary) 2. To assess the effects on secondary outcomes at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups 3. To identify mediators between intervention and outcomes to inform the potential mechanisms 4. To qualitatively explore subjects' perceptions of managing their own health conditions after leaving the hospital and their experience of following the primary healthcare discharge intervention suggested by nurses.