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

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

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
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 someone is presumed not to have capacity at all?

Answer 5

12 years old

Question 6

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

Answer 6

16 years old

Question 7

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

Answer 7

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