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.

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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.