RESEARCH ARTICLE HOSPITAL DISCHARGES OF SICK NEONATES AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE

摘要: Objective: To determine the frequency of discharges against medical advice (DAMA) at Ola Oluyoro Catholic Hospital, Oke-Offa, Ibadan, Oyo State, and reasons why DAMA requests are made. Study design: A prospective study 35 consecutive neonates who were dis charged neonatal unit Oke -Offa, state. The was conducted between 1 st January 31 June 2012. Methods: Information obtained from case notes parents th e entered into a proforma designed for study. Details include age admission, diagnosis number days hospitalized requesting DAMA. Results: Of 240 babies admitted to over six months, 35(14.6%) discharged advice. consisted 19 boys 16 girls. mean on admission 5 days. diagnoses birth asphyxia, prematurity, low weight, neonat al septicaemia, macrosomia, jaundice, very meconium aspiration, respiratory distress related diseases, HIV exposed neonate Opthalmia neonatorum in 9(25.7%),6(17.1%),5(14.3%), 4(11.4%), 3(8.6%),2(5.7%),1(2.9%), 1(2.9%), 1(2.9%),1(2.9%) 1(2.9%) cases respectively. Regarding DAMA, 20(57.1%) by felt that well enough be discharged, whilst 13(37.1%) gave financial constraints as reason one requested enable resumption work. No stated remaining (2.9%) case. Payment bills discharge father 30(87.5%). All counselled nurses duty only 2cases had additional counsel doctor Conclusion: present which is almost seven admissions unacceptably high. Concerted efforts should made reduce it means more detailed studies associated factors interventions.