Leaving AMA

Physicians have different takes on patients leaving against medical advice. Some would gladly show patients the door. Others would really try to fight to do what’s best, like this resident:

“We tried deals and scare tactics, telling him as clearly as we could that he was more likely to die if he left this way,” writes Dr. Viviany R. Taqueti. “When he countered with ‘that is up to God,’ we offered him consultation with a priest. An interventionalist, overhearing this exchange, called us warm and fuzzy. Our efforts felt futile, and we were weary. Yet it seemed wrong not to keep trying.”

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