Development of a Clinical Algorithm for Threatened Discharge Against Medical Advice

• DOI: 10.1542/peds.140.1ma.27
• Publication Date: 2023-03-01T23:40:36Z
• Authors: Sonal Kalburgi; Rebecca Cady; Sonaly McClymont
• Keywords: Advice (programming)

Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is an infrequent yet challenging clinical situation for pediatric hospitalists. Current literature suggests that patients requesting DAMA are at increased risk for readmission, morbidity and mortality. With evidence that patients invoking DAMA is associated with poorer outcomes, it is increasingly important to recognize that threatened DAMA presents an opportunity to address patient or family concerns, foster dialogue and re-align care in a shared …