How does discharge against medical advice affect risk of mortality and unplanned readmission? A retrospective cohort study set in a large UK medical admissions unit.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To assess the frequency of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) in a large UK teaching hospital, explore factors which increase the risk of DAMA and identify how DAMA impacts patient risk of mortality and readmission.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Large acute teaching hospital in the UK.

Patients

36 683 patients discharged from the acute medical unit of a large UK teaching hospital between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016.

Measurements

Patients were censored on 1 January 2021. Mortality and 30-day unplanned readmission rates were assessed. Deprivation, age and sex were taken as covariates.

Results

3% of patients discharged against medical advice. These patients were younger (median age (years) (IQR)): planned discharg

SUBMITTER: Alagappan A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10069606 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature