What happens to patients that leave hospital against medical advice? A cross-sectional study

Discharge against Medical Advice (DAMA) is a global problem with unpleasant consequences, mandating to conduct studies for its Predictors and outcome. This study aimed to investigate the reasons of DAMA from a general referral hospital.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Sina Hospital. A researcher-made questionnaire was used after determining its validity and reliability. All patients who wanted to DAMA, completed the questionnaire. The data was analyzed by SPSS 19, using descriptive and inferential statistics.

DAMA was more seen within men, married, native, and under diploma patients with age range of 19 to 39 years. Prolongation of hospital stay (13.2%), other hospital staff’s suggestion (6.8%) and dissatisfaction with the facilities (12.3%) were among the main reasons for discharging. The reasons of DAMA had only significant relationship with hospital wards.

Improvement of training, providing innovate facilities for young people, providing more advanced facilities and equipment, and continuing the necessary treatment as outpatient are important factors that must be prepared in order to decrease the rate of DAMA.