Discharging Patients against Medical Advice

Lee, Clement D. M.D.
Bradfield, Owen M.B., B.S., B.Med.Sc., L.L.B., M.B.A.
Mello, Michelle M. J.D., Ph.D.
Beach, Mary Catherine M.D., M.P.H.

This interactive feature addresses the approach to a clinical issue. A case vignette is followed by specific options, neither of which can be considered either correct or incorrect. In short essays, experts in the field then argue for each of the options as assigned. Readers can participate in forming community opinion by choosing one of the options.

New England Journal of Medicine 388(13):p 1230-1232, March 30, 2023. | DOI: 10.1056/NEJMclde2210118

Discharging Patients against Medical Advice

This feature about a patient with fever and possible endocarditis who does not want to be admitted to the hospital offers a case vignette accompanied by two essays, one supporting documentation of the patient's discharge against medical advice and the other not supporting it.