Shifts in Demographics and Characteristics Among Patients Leaving Against Medical Advice From Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

The determinants of AMA discharges have a temporal association with the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest that patients leaving AMA are now more likely to be socially disadvantaged, from minority backgrounds, to have longer hospital stays, and to be leaving directly from the ICU. Targeted interventions to improve patient trust and support in these populations are needed to reduce AMA discharges and improve outcomes.