Abstract

Introduction: Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is a critical issue which negatively affects treatment outcome and imposes higher costs on healthcare organizations. Thus, this study aims to assess factors, leading to this phenomenon, in teaching hospitals. Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted in August 2014 in three teaching hospitals of Yazd province, Iran. Data were collected using a self- constructed form which has been filled on the basis of telephone call interview with patients selected by random sampling technique. To apply statistical analysis, the SPSS 20 Software was used. Results: Discharge against medical advice was 6.8 out of total admissions in three under study hospitals. The main reasons were patient factors (50.57), medical staff factors (35.63) and hospital environmental factors (12.64). Conclusion: According to the findings; modification of patients� discharge process, better cooperation with social work department and interaction with charity organizations, provision of patients� needs and provision of suitable facilities can decrease discharge against medical advice by patients. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group