You are a patient in a busy emergency department. You present with an asthma attack, which is a chronic condition for you, and is exacerbated by pollen season. While you are waiting for the doctor you have received 2-3 respiratory treatments and are feeling better. The doctor feels otherwise.
He feels that you need to be admitted for steroid therapy and observation. The orders are to the staff to admit for this treatment for a few days of therapy. Knowing your symptoms, the progression of your disease process and how you respond to therapy. YOU decide you are not staying.
In reading the article provided, “I’m Going Home”- Discharges Against Medical Advice by David Alfandre, MD, think of yourself now as the risk manager of this hospital. Why would it behoove the MD, staff and yourself to encourage this patient to stay? What risk to the hospital is there associated with the decision of the patient to sign out AMA? What risk to the MD is there associated with the decision of the patient to sign out AMA? What risk to the patient is there for this decision? Let’s discuss…..
Also make a response to this statement
What these statistics show us is that patients who leave the hospital against medical advice have a greater risk for complications and re-admissions than if they had stayed in the hospital for treatment. While a patient may think they “know best about themselves” going against the advice of their healthcare professional may prove otherwise. It is best for all involved that a patient be discourage to check out of the hospital AMA and continue to receive the treatment or observation that they need.
