Evaluating the Causes and Consequences of Leaving the Hospital With Personal Consent in Patients of the Emergency Department

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Article Type:
Research/Original Article (دارای رتبه معتبر)
Abstract:
Background

Studies show that leaving the hospital with personal consent is increasing. This phenomenon has unpleasant and sometimes irreversible consequences. This study aims to investigate the causes and consequences of leaving the hospital with the personal consent of patients referred to the emergency department of hospitals affiliated with Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2021.

Materials and Methods

In this descriptive-analytical study, 345 patients were selected who, with personal consent, left the emergency department of selected hospitals affiliated with Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2021. The study data were collected via a questionnaire and a checklist. The questionnaire comprised demographic variables, patient-related factors, personnel-related factors, and hospital-related factors. The checklist of the consequences included questions about leaving the hospital with personal consent. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software, version 20.

Results

Of 345 patients included in the study, 55.9% were male and the mean age of patients was 47.1 years. The most important reasons for leaving the hospital with personal consent were as follows: personal reasons (22.9%), fear of continuing treatment (11.9%), preference to continue the treatment in other medical centers (9.3%), the suggestion of other hospital staff (35.1%), not having the desired doctor (27%), nurses’ suggestion (19.4%), lack of care (20.4%), and inadequate hospital space and facilities (14.0%). The consequences of leaving the hospital with personal consent in this study included re-admission and hospitalization (10.3%), mortality (3.4%), heart disease (0.87%), and mental disorders (0.57%).

Conclusion

After identifying the reasons for leaving the hospital with personal consent and highlighting the irreparable human and financial consequences, these causes should be eliminated to prevent irreparable and unfortunate consequences. Such causes include personal reasons, fear of continuing the treatment, and lack of care. Fixing the causes requires proper planning and effective actions.

Language:
English
Published:
Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly, Volume:8 Issue: 2, Winter 2023
Pages:
125 to 132
https://magiran.com/p2531381  
سامانه نویسندگان
  • Ahmadi، Sajjad
    Corresponding Author (2)
    Ahmadi, Sajjad
    Phd Student Nurs, Iran University Of Medical Sciences, تهران, Iran
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