A Study on the Characteristics of DAMA(Discharge Against Medical Advice) Case and Causal Factors of DAMA - Perspective of Medical Social Worker's Role and Intervention -

의학적 충고에 반한 퇴원의 특성과 퇴원결정 요인에 관한 연구 - 사회사업가의 개입사례와 역할을 중심으로 -

Objectives : DAMA cases were analyzed to examine what the main casual factors of DAMA were and how to deal with these cases effectively in hospital with the DAMA interdisciplinary team including medical social worker whose role is to perform psycho-social assessment, family counsel, to evaluate family's DAMA need. Patients and Methods : The content analysis of medical record and social work record were reviewed in 37 cases referred by medical doctor to DAMA team. These cases were reported by patients' self discharge request or family's request for discharge from September 1998 to February 2000. The DAMA team consists of Assistant Director of Hospital as team leader, medical staff in-charge, social worker, QI nurse, other staff members who are not involved in direct treatment for patient, and administrative clerk. Results : The results of content analysis are as follows : 1) The most causal factors of DAMA consist of combination of more than 2 factors. 2) The major decision-maker is revealed to be son and daughter of patient. 3) In 59.4% of cases, family was not informed of patients' prognosis, alternatives, the consequence of DAMA at all. 4) In cases of DAMA report, the rapid intervention of social worker is carried out. Conclusion : In this study, we propose the interdisciplinary team approach to make decision legitimately and ethically for DAMA. The suggestions from this study are as follows : 1) To deal with DAMA case properly, the interdisciplinary team approach should be considered. 2) The criteria for DAMA case should be formed carefully. For the explicit selection of DAMA case, preliminary system for high-risk patient screening is recommended. 3) The medical social worker is available for the psycho-social problems of the patient once family members. For the effective family counselling, discharge planning and nursing home placement, the participation of medical social worker should be mandatory.