Open AccessThe causes of discharge against medical advice and suggestions for its reduction in Tabriz Sina Medical Center (phenomenological study)
Author(s) -
Fariba Azizzadeh,
Solmaz Pourranjbar
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
indian journal of medical sciences/indian journal of medical sciences (print)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1998-3654
pISSN - 0019-5359
DOI - 10.25259/ijms_64_2020
Subject(s) - medicine , interview , thematic analysis , family medicine , qualitative research , medical advice , intervention (counseling) , population , health care , against medical advice , patient satisfaction , nursing , pediatrics , social science , environmental health , sociology , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Objectives: Patient satisfaction is an issue that has attracted increasing attention to the health industry today. Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is one of the symptoms of patient dissatisfaction that has adverse effects on patient treatment and increases hospital costs. The purpose of this study was to identify the causes of DAMA by patients admitted to Sina educational and therapeutic center (one of the teaching hospitals of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences) and finally to provide strategies for reducing DAMA. Material and Methods: This study is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The data gathering tool is in-depth interviews. The study population consisted of all patients who completed the DAMA form in 2017 and left the hospital with their satisfaction. The sampling method was purposeful and interviewing. The method of analysis is thematic analysis. Results: Final findings indicate that the rate of DAMA in Sina training and medical center has a significant proportion that needs intervention and evaluation. Most of the patients in this study were male, non-native of Tabriz, admitted to surgery, discharged in the morning shift, as well as average stay over 2 days. The reasons for DAMA after an interview with patients were classified into three themes: (1) Problems with the patient, (2) problems with care issues, and (3) problems with hospital facilities. Conclusion: The most common reasons for DAMA in Sina educational and medical center were problems related to the patient.