Rates of readmission and death associated with leaving hospital against medical advice: a population-based study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leaving hospital against medical advice may have adverse consequences. Previous studies have been limited by evaluating specific types of patients, small sample sizes and incomplete determination of outcomes. We hypothesized that leaving hospital against medical advice would be associated with increases in subsequent readmission and death.

Methods

In a population-based analysis involving all adults admitted to hospital and discharged alive in Manitoba from Apr. 1, 1990, to Feb. 28, 2009, we evaluated all-cause 90-day mortality and 30-day hospital readmission. We used multivariable regression, adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, year of hospital admission, patient comorbidities, hospital diagnosis, past frequency of admission to hospital, having previously

SUBMITTER: Garland A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3787167 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature