Factors associated with patients leaving against medical advice from in-patient psychiatric facility.

Abstract

Objective: To understand and recognise why some patients leave the medical facility against physicians medical advice as it has clear significance in identifying those at risk and planning interventions for them beforehand. Study Design: Exploratory Research. Setting: Department of Psychiatry, Gujranwala Medical Collage/ Teaching Hospital. Period: September 2018 to September 2019. Material & Methods: The record included 73 cases that left against medical advice. Results: Highest ratios of variables present in the patients who left AMA were educational level of patients up to matriculation (34.2%), unemployment (54.8%), primary diagnosis of schizophrenia (20.5%), residence in Gujranwala (57.5%), attending physician’s residence up to 2 years (27.4%), and non availability of attendants (16.4%). Conclusions: Knowing what variables perpetuates the patient’s need to leave against medical advice can help in taking preliminary measures to prevent it.