Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 6, 2025

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA) in Adult Emergency Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria
N J Nwashilli1, P I Agbonrofo1
1Department of Surgery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Background:
Patients who discharge against medical advice are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality as well as posing a serious burden for the hospital especially when re-admitted.
Aim:
To determine the demographics, prevalence, clinical diagnosis and reasons for discharge against medical advice adult Emergency Department.
Methods:
This was a retrospective descriptive study, carried out over one year period from June 2018 to May 2019 at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Patients who requested for Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA) were asked to fill a data collection form after adequate counselling. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS version 21.
Results:
A total of 476 patients signed the DAMA form. There was male predominance with a male to female ratio of 1.4: 1. The average age of the patients was 42 ± 21 years. Surgical diagnosis accounted for 287 (60.3%) cases while the rest were medical. The most common reasons for DAMA were "To go closer home and financial constraint".
Conclusion:
Discharge against medical advice was more prevalent among male patients with surgical cases accounting for more than half of the cases. Financial constraints and going home were the two common reasons for DAMA.
Related Concept Videos
Discharge Summary Forms
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management

