Latent profiles of heart failure patient–caregiver dyadic discharge readiness: associations with family resilience, caregiver distress, and dyadic care ability

Heart failure (HF) is a major chronic disease with high post-discharge readmission rates, often linked to inadequate discharge preparation, poor self-care, and limited family support. Discharge readiness, which encompasses the physical, psychological, and social preparedness of both patients and their family caregivers, is critical for successful post-discharge outcomes. However, most studies assess discharge readiness from either the patient or caregiver perspective alone, neglecting the interdependent nature of the patient–caregiver dyad. This study aims to identify distinct latent profiles of dyadic discharge readiness in HF patient–caregiver dyads and examine their associations with family resilience, caregiver emotional distress, patient self-care, and caregiver caregiving ability. Discharge readiness of patients and family caregivers was assessed using well-established instruments. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed to identify discharge readiness profiles. Multinomial logistic regression using the R3STEP approach was applied to examine associations between discharge readiness profiles and family resilience, caregiver anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Differences in patient self-care ability and caregiver caregiving ability across profiles were compared using the BCH approach. A total of 533 HF patient–caregiver dyads were included, and three latent discharge readiness profiles were identified: low (44.8%), moderate (37.9%), and high (17.3%). Using the low readiness profile as the reference, multivariable analyses showed that higher family resilience was associated with a greater likelihood of belonging to the moderate and high readiness profiles. In contrast, higher levels of caregiver anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with a lower likelihood of belonging to the moderate and high readiness profiles. Patient self-care ability and caregiver caregiving ability differed significantly across the three discharge readiness profiles. Discharge readiness among HF patient–caregiver dyads is heterogeneous and is associated with family resilience and caregiver emotional distress. Patient self-care ability and caregiver caregiving ability differed significantly across the identified discharge readiness profiles. These findings highlight the importance of adopting a dyadic, family-centered approach to discharge assessment and planning, with particular attention to strengthening family resilience and addressing caregiver psychological distress.