Higher doses of methadone during first day in hospital reduce risk of patients leaving AMA

Also known as leaving the hospital against medical advice (AMA), patient‐directed discharge (PDD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; 10% to 20% of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) leave the hospital before their recommended treatment is completed. Researchers found that giving higher doses of methadone to these patients during the first 24 hours of care in the hospital is associated with substantial reductions in PDD.