Consent and capacity for Treatment

Question 1

What are the principles of mental capacity?

Answer 1

All patients are assumed to have mental capacity unless proven otherwise.

Time and decision specific

Decision should be delayed if its safe and they are likely to regain capacity.

Question 2

What are the four principles of mental capacity?

Answer 2

1) Understand the information given to them
2) Retain the information for long enough to make a decision.
3) To weigh up pros and cons
4) Be able to adequately communicate their decision

Question 3

What is a lasting power of attorney?

Answer 3

an individual who is allocated to make medical decisions on a patients behalf only if they lack capacity to decide for themselves.

Question 4

What are deprivation of liberty safeguards?

Answer 4

Application made by hospital/care home on behalf of a patient who lacks capacity to allow them to provide care/treatment.

If this is approved, the patient is no longer allowed to leave = deprived of liberty.

Question 5

What are the different types of consent?

Answer 5

Informed consent

Verbal consent

Written consent

All options when gaining consent should be given to the patient including not doing anything at all.