Cross-validating factors associated with discharges against medical advice.

摘要: Between six percent and 35% of psychiatric patients discharge themselves from hospital against medical advice (AMA). The discharges may prevent deriving the full benefit hospitalization result in rapid rehospitalization. We examined sociodemographic clinical characteristics 195 irregular a 237 bed over five year period found that AMA increased study to peak 25% 1986. There was strong negative correlation between rates willingness physicians commit involuntarily. Multiple discriminant analysis revealed set nine variables accurately classified 78% cases into regular or categories. Further there are two distinct subgroups who AMA: those repeatedly left "revolving back door" pattern only once. repeat group exceeded one-time terms prior admissions, appearances before review boards, percentage Natives. also spent twice as long hospital, 27% were readmitted within one-week index discharge. Less than three week. These results cross-validated on new sample matched controls.