Ethics - Consent and Capacity

Question 1

What is the age for consent in the uk?

Answer 1

Scotland - 16

E and W - 18

Question 2

Who has the ability to give consent for a child?

Answer 2

Whoever has parental responsibility.

Question 3

When does the mother have parental responsibility?

Answer 3

Automatic responsibility

Question 4

When does the father have parental responsibility?

Answer 4

Father if they are married to the mother or if they are named on the birth certificate.

Question 5

What happens to parental responsibility once the child is put up for adoption?

Answer 5

Biological parents lose parental responsibility

Question 6

Can other adults/family members give consent on behalf of a child?

Answer 6

Yes if it has been explicitly agreed with the adult with parental responsibility.

Question 7

Say there are 2 adults that have parental responsibility; does consent need to be obtained from both?

Answer 7

No - just one.

Question 8

What might the patient want to know before consenting?

Answer 8

What is involved in the treatment
The benefits of the treatment 
The risks of the treatment  
The alternative options
Why you think the treatment is necessary 
Cost of the treatment 
Consequences of not going ahead with the treatment 
What the likely prognosis will be.

Question 9

List the criteria for consent. Explain each point.

Answer 9

Capacity:
Patient has the ability to understand and make their own decision.

Informed of;
What is involved in the treatment
The treatment outcomes
The risks involved treatment 
The cost

Valid:
Recent
Consent obtained for every individual treatment.

Voluntary:
The patients own decision (not a family member/friends decision)

Subdivides into;
Not coerced - not forced.
(coercion occurs when the dentist does not offer the patient a variety of treatment options)

Not manipulated - mild form of force.

Question 10

When is consent not required?

Answer 10

In an emergency situation.

Treatment is necessary to save the patients life/avoid serious complications.

Question 11

List the criteria for capacity. Explain each point.

Answer 11

To act - to give consent

To understand:
The treatment
The risks
The benefits

To communicate:
To express their decision in a way that both parties understand.

To make a reasoned decision:
Have valid reasons for their decision
Ensure that it is not an irrational decision.

To remember
Work with the patient when they are able (to remember)