COURSE: HCA 612 advanced seminar

Question

Alfandre, D. J. (2009). "i'm going home": discharges against medical advice. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 84(3), 255-260. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0025-6196(11)61143-9

 

After reading the article above, please answer the following questions.

 

(1) Describes the author's credentials, purpose, and audience,

(2) a brief "capsule" summary of its content (please provide brief summary of an article), and

(3) a sentence at the end of the summary that explains "why this source seems valuable 

and how you might use it". 

Answer 1

(1) The author of the article is D. J. Alfandre. While the credentials of the author are not explicitly mentioned in the given information, the article was published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, a reputable medical journal, indicating that the author likely possesses expertise in the field. The purpose of the article is to explore and analyze discharges against medical advice (DAMA) from a medical perspective. The intended audience is likely healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals interested in healthcare policy.

(2) The article titled "i'm going home": discharges against medical advice focuses on the phenomenon of DAMA, where patients leave the hospital before completion of treatment against medical advice. It examines the reasons for DAMA, the characteristics of patients who choose DAMA, and the potential consequences and ethical considerations associated with such discharges. The article provides insights into the complexities surrounding DAMA and offers suggestions for healthcare professionals to improve patient care and communication in these situations.

(3) This source seems valuable as it offers a comprehensive examination of DAMA from a medical perspective, which can be useful for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers in understanding the challenges and implications of such discharges. The article provides valuable insights into patient decision-making, ethical considerations, and potential areas for improvement in healthcare delivery. It can be utilized to inform healthcare practices, develop strategies to minimize DAMA rates, and enhance patient-centered care by addressing the concerns and needs of patients who opt for DAMA.