Refusal of Emergency Medical Care: An Analysis of Patients Who Left Without Being Seen, Eloped, and Left Against Medical Advice

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2021

Identifier/URL

99089512 (Orcid)

Abstract

Objective Emergency department (ED) patients may elect to refuse any aspect of medical care. They may leave prior to physician evaluation, elope during treatment, or leave against medical advice during treatment. This study was undertaken to identify patient perspectives and reasons for refusal of care. Results Among 298 participants, the majority were female (54%). Most participants were White (61%) or African American (36%). Thirty-eight percent of participants left against medical advice, 23% eloped, and 39% left without being seen by a provider. When compared to the general ED population, patients who refused care were significantly younger (p < 0.001). When comparing by groups, patients who left AMA were significantly older than those who eloped or left without being seen (p < 0.001). Among 68 patients interviewed by telephone, the most common stated reasons for refusal of care included wait time (23%), unmet expectations (23%), and negative interactions with ED staff (15%). Conclusion ED patients who refused care were significantly younger than the general ED population. Common reasons cited by patients for refusal of care included wait time, unmet expectations, and negative interactions with ED staff.

DOI

10.1016/j.ajem.2019.158490

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