Postoperative Discharge Criteria: A Comparative Analysis and the Role of Nurse-Led Approaches

Abstract Postoperative care is a crucial aspect of patient management that ensures safety and minimizes complications after surgery. Properly defined discharge criteria play a key role in determining when a patient can safely leave the healthcare facility. Various discharge scoring systems—such as the Post-anesthetic Discharge Scoring System (PADSS) and the Aldrete Scoring System—are in place to ensure safe discharge. However, these systems primarily focus on physiological recovery, often ignoring essential factors such as psychological readiness, patient education, and the availability of social support. This article compares the most widely used scoring systems, explores their limitations, and presents the argument for a more holistic approach that addresses both clinical and patient-centered factors. Additionally, it examines the current evidence, benefits, challenges, and best practices associated with nurse-led discharge criteria in postoperative care. A proposal for the development of a new discharge criterion is discussed, aimed at improving outcomes and minimizing hospital readmissions. Furthermore, we integrate quantitative evidence on patient satisfaction and readmission rates to support the effectiveness of nurse-led approaches.