Background and Objective: Early discharge against medical advice can elevate health risks and costs
due to potential readmissions. Understanding contributing factors and implementing timely interventions
could reduce early discharge incidence. This study explores reasons behind patients' decisions to leave a
Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences hospital prematurely based on personal preference in 2023.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study enrolled 42
patients (or their companions) from internal medicine and surgical departments who completed discharge
against medical advice forms in the third quarter of 2023. Following informed consent, telephone interviews
using a researcher-developed questionnaire were conducted. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 with
descriptive and analytical statistics (Mann-Whitney U test, independent T-test; P < 0.05).
Results: The most frequent reasons for early discharge were: fatigue from hospital stay 16 (38.09%),
feeling of recovery 15 (35.71%), inadequate hospital facilities 14 (33.33%), dissatisfaction with medical
services 10 (23.81%), and physician-advised discharge at patient's request 9 (21.43%). No significant
correlation was found between length of stay and discharge reasons. However, significant associations
emerged between readmission and reasons related to physicians (P = 0.002), equipment/hospital
environment (P = 0.001), and overall hospital status (P = 0.004).
Conclusion: The fatigue experienced by patients and their companions as a result of extended
treatment durations emerged as a significant factor contributing to early discharge. To effectively tackle this
issue, it is essential to provide healthcare staff with training focused on the development and
implementation of personalized treatment plans. Additionally, fostering a supportive atmosphere and
offering amenities for companions could play a crucial role in decreasing the rates of early discharge. The
insights gained from this study can serve as a valuable resource for hospital administrators, enabling them to
pinpoint adjustable elements that can enhance the quality of care and minimize the likelihood of
readmissions.