Capacity and Consent

Question 1

Define “capacity” in a medical context

Answer 1

A patient’s decision-making ability to take actions regarding their life
Should be assumed until proven otherwise

Question 2

List the BMA guidelines for capacity that a patient must meet with regards to treatment

Answer 2

Understand a treatment’s purpose, nature and why it is proposed
Understand a treatment’s pros + cons
Understand consequences of not receiving treatment
Retain information long enough to use and weight it
Communicate their decision

Question 3

What is the adults with incapacity Scotland act 2000?

Answer 3

Makes a decision for an individual who lacks capacity, either due to mental illness or communicative difficulty which will benefit them and cannot be achieved without intervention
Take into account past and present wishes and residual capacity
Through power of attorney or welfare guardian

Question 4

In an emergency, treatment may be given and capacity does not need to be assessed. True/False?

Answer 4

True

Question 5

What is the age under which a child may be assessed for capacity?

Answer 5

< 16 years old

Can consent to treatment on own behalf if attending qualified medical practitioner deems them to have capacity

Question 6

List all the criteria that have to be met to detain someone under the mental health act

Answer 6

1. Mental disorder suspected or learning disability
2. Risk to self and/or others
3. Significantly impaired decision-making ability (SIDMA)
4. Necessary treatment
5. Treatment available, alternative not appropriate

Question 7

List features of mental health act

Answer 7

Emergency detention
Short-term detention
Compulsory treatment order
Advance statement
Nurse's holding power

Question 8

What is the age at which a person is assumed to have capacity?

Answer 8

> 16 years old