Is “Against Medical Advice” Still Defensible? - Takeaways - MDSpire

Is “Against Medical Advice” Still Defensible?

A Viewpoint calls for more dignifying, harm-reduction–oriented hospital discharges for patients with OUD.

  • By

  • Kerri Miller

  • April 14, 2026

  • 3 min

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  • 1

    A collaborative discharge approach for patients with opioid use disorder emphasizes dignity and proactive planning.

  • 2

    Stigma and limited family access contribute to patients' desires to leave hospitalization early.

  • 3

    More than 50% of postdischarge deaths in patients with opioid use disorder are attributed to overdose after patient-directed discharges.

  • 4

    Avoiding the term 'Against Medical Advice' can reduce stigma and enhance ongoing care for patients.

  • 5

    Clinicians should organize medically sound, harm-reducing alternatives when treatment plans cannot proceed as intended.

Original Source(s)

Is “Against Medical Advice” Still Defensible?

  • by Kerri Miller

  • April 14, 2026

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