A retrospective analysis of patients who visited the emergency department and left by their own choice in a university hospital

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to identify the properties of patients who visited the emergency department and left of their own accord.

Material and Methods: Patients who visited the emergency department and left by their own choice for any reason were evaluated retrospectively.

Results: In this study, 1140 patients (57.7% male) were enrolled with a mean age of 40.5 +/- 14.9 years. Patients were admitted due to poisoning, abdominal pain and chest pain at rates of 23.2%, 16.4% and 15.1% respectively. It was found that 673 patients (59.0%) left because of being denied medical observation or treatment, and 215 patients (18.9%) left because of consultants running late.

Conclusion: Necessary arrangements must be put in place to reduce the number of patients who leave the emergency department by choice, prior to being discharged by a clinician.