Consent and capacity

Question 1

Four criteria of capacity

Answer 1

Understand the decision
Retain the information long enough to make the decision
Weigh up the pros and cons
Communicate their decision

Question 2

Lasting power of attorney (LPA)

Answer 2

Person legally nominates a person of their choice to make decisions on their behalf if they lack mental capacity.
- only comes into effect if the patient lacks the capacity to decide for themselves.

• it does not give the person with LPA control over a decision if they can still make that decision themselves.

Question 3

Deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS)

Answer 3

Application made by a hospital or care home for patients who lack capacity to allow them to provide care and treatment. Whilst in hospital, or a care home, the patient is under control and is not able to leave. This means they are “deprived of their liberty” and require a legal framework to protect them.

Question 4

What kind of consent must be obtained for surgery?

Answer 4

Written

Question 5

Framework to consent patient for surgery

Answer 5

What the procedure is
Why it is done (specifically to the patient’s case)
Risks
Benefits
Complications
ICE
Written consent