Irregular Discharge as an Unobtrusive Measure of … Something: Some Additional Thoughts

Abstract

In a recent article Davis (1973) suggested that irregular discharges represent a valid, unobtrusive measure of patients' discontent with hospital treatment programs. Craig (1973) took issue with Davis' conclusion on the grounds that many other factors contribute to the production of irregular discharges. Both papers are reviewed here. It is concluded that, while Craig's implied criticism of Davis' papers is unwarranted, the data adduced in Davis−study do not support the hypothesized link between patient discontent and irregular discharge. Some evidence of the connection between irregular discharge and patients' discontent is available from a number of other sources, however, along with support for Craig's contention that irregular discharge has multiple determinants.