The Impact of Discharge Against Medical Advice on Readmission After Opioid Use Disorder-Associated Infective Endocarditis: a National Cohort Study

Background Hospitalizations for infective endocarditis (IE) associated with opioid use disorder (O-IE) have increased in the USA and have been linked to high rates of discharge against medical advice (DAMA). DAMA represents a truncation of care for a severe infection, yet patient outcomes after DAMA are unknown. Objective This study aimed to assess readmissions following O-IE and quantify the impact of DAMA on outcomes. Design A retrospective study of a nationally representative dataset of persons’ inpatient discharges in the USA in 2016 Participants A total of 6018 weighted persons were discharged for O-IE, stratified by DAMA vs. other discharge statuses. Of these, 1331 (22%) were DAMA. Main Measures The primary outcome of interest was 30-day readmission rates, stratified by discharge type. We also examined the total number of hospitalizations during the year and estimated the effect of DAMA on readmission. Key Results Compared with non-DAMA, those experiencing DAMA were more commonly female, resided in metropolitan areas, lower income, and uninsured. Crude 30-day readmission following DAMA was 50%, compared with 21% for other discharge types. DAMA was strongly associated with readmission in an adjusted logistic regression model (OR 3.72, CI 3.02–4.60). Persons experiencing DAMA more commonly had ≥2 more hospitalizations during the period (31% vs. 18%, p <0.01), and were less frequently readmitted at the same hospital (49% vs 64%, p <0.01). Conclusions DAMA occurs in nearly a quarter of patients hospitalized for O-IE and is strongly associated with short-term readmission. Interventions to address the root causes of premature discharges will enhance O-IE care, reduce hospitalizations and improve outcomes.