Causes of Discharge against Medical Advice in patients of a Number of Selected Hospitals

Ghorbani Rahil¹*, Moradi Magin Mahbobeh²

2. BSc student, Department of Health Services Management, School of Public Health, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam,Iran.

*Correspondence: School of Public Health, Campus of Bam, Khalij Fars Highway, Bam University of Medical Sciences.

Tel: 09396558571                                                                                      Email: r.Ghorbani6790@gmail.com

Abstract:

Background & Objectives:  Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA) is one of the important concerns of health systems. This could be potentially life-threatening and cause readmission. The purpose of this study was to determine causes of DAMA in patients of some selected hospitals.

Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytic study was performed in winter 2016. The medical files of 261 patients discharged against medical advice were selected by simple random sampling and reviewed. Data were gathered through Hospital Information System and using a self-designed check list. Data were analyzed through SPSS software and using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test.

Results: From all, 58.6% were male, 66.3% were married and 22.2% did not have any insurance coverage. The most common reason of DAMA was feeling better (43.3%). Discharge against medical advice showed significant relationship with marital status (P= 0.02), and insurance type (P= 0.05).

Conclusion: Since the most common reason of DAMA was feeling better, more attention of authorities and also a stronger patient-physician relationship are recommended in order to aware patients of their clinical conditions and treatment process.

Key­words: Teaching Hospital, Discharge, Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA)

Citation: Ghorbani R, Moradi Magin M. Causes of Discharge against Medical Advice in patients of a Number of Selected Hospitals. Journal of Health Based Research 2017; 2(4): 319-327.