Mahnaz Moradpour1, Mohammadreza Amiresmaili2, Mahmood Nekoei-Moghadam3, Tania Dehesh4. 1. Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 2. Policy and Health Economics, Faculty of Management and Medical Information, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. mohammadreza.amiresmaili@gmail.com. 3. Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 4. Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patient absconding from hospital is one of the permanent issues the hospitals face, which poses many risks and challenges to the patient, hospital, and society. The present study aimed to identify the reasons for patient absconding behavior for public hospitals in southeastern Iran. METHODS: The present study is a qualitative study which was conducted at three public hospitals in southeastern Iran using purposive sampling through semi-structured interviews with 63 informants involved in patient treatment process. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi content analysis (CCA) method. RESULTS: Three main themes of economic, social factors, and factors related to the hospital covering 15 subthemes were identified to explain the reasons for patients absconding behavior. CONCLUSION: There are many reasons for reducing patients absconding from hospitals, and one of the main reasons is the patients' economic and social problems. The absconding behavior can lead to harm and problems for patients, and some emotional and occupational consequences for the employees and nurses. Paying attention to this issue and considering some courses of action to prevent patient absconding might lead to a considerable promotion of public trust and eliminate many problems for hospitals.
BACKGROUND:Patient absconding from hospital is one of the permanent issues the hospitals face, which poses many risks and challenges to the patient, hospital, and society. The present study aimed to identify the reasons for patient absconding behavior for public hospitals in southeastern Iran. METHODS: The present study is a qualitative study which was conducted at three public hospitals in southeastern Iran using purposive sampling through semi-structured interviews with 63 informants involved in patient treatment process. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi content analysis (CCA) method. RESULTS: Three main themes of economic, social factors, and factors related to the hospital covering 15 subthemes were identified to explain the reasons for patients absconding behavior. CONCLUSION: There are many reasons for reducing patients absconding from hospitals, and one of the main reasons is the patients' economic and social problems. The absconding behavior can lead to harm and problems for patients, and some emotional and occupational consequences for the employees and nurses. Paying attention to this issue and considering some courses of action to prevent patient absconding might lead to a considerable promotion of public trust and eliminate many problems for hospitals.
Entities:
Keywords:
Iran; Patient absconding; Public hospitals; Reasons
Authors: Mohammad Khammarnia; Aziz Kassani; Mohammadreza Amiresmaili; Ahmad Sadeghi; Zahra Karimi Jaberi; Zahra Kavosi Journal: Int J Health Policy Manag Date: 2014-10-30