Objective To construct discharge readiness indicators for patients after colorectal cancer surgery, providing a basis for evaluating patients' discharge readiness and formulating targeted intervention measures.

Methods Based on the conceptual attributes of discharge readiness, preliminary discharge readiness indicators for patients after colorectal cancer surgery were formed through literature retrieval, screening, and quality evaluation, combined with discussions in project team meetings. The Delphi method was employed to conduct two rounds of expert consultations, ultimately finalizing the draft of the discharge readiness indicators.

Results A total of 18 experts completed the two rounds of consultations. In the second round, the Kendall's coefficient of concordance (Kendall's W) for experts' evaluations of the importance and operability of the indicators were 0.276 (χ²=198.857, P < 0.001) and 0.304 (χ²=218.806, P < 0.001), respectively. The final discharge readiness indicators consisted of three first-level indicators (physiological condition, psychological status, and social support), 11 second-level indicators, and 34 third-level indicators, with the weights of the first-level indicators being 0.600, 0.200, and 0.200, respectively.

Conclusion The discharge readiness indicators constructed in this study for patients after colorectal cancer surgery demonstrate good scientificity, reliability, and comprehensiveness, offering a reference for evaluating discharge readiness and formulating targeted intervention measures.