Self-discharge: intervention needed now?

Price, Vicky; Rischer, Louis; Trimble, Michael · Postgrad Med J · 2026

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Abstract

Although they comprise only a small proportion of the medical take, patients who decide to self-discharge against medical advice pose a significant management challenge. They are often from a vulnerable patient population, and the challenges of providing adequate care are not insignificant. This short paper highlights the difficulties and explores possible responses.