Assessing decision-making capacity
When patients refuse treatments or procedures against medical advice, a four-step interview process can help you assess their decision-making capacity.
Up to 31% of hospitalized patients and 70% of those nearing the end of life may have diminished decision-making capacity. Assessing the decision-making capacity of patients is crucial, particularly if their treatment preferences contradict medical advice or if they suffer from dementia, schizophrenia, or delirium. If a patient makes a decision that contradicts medical advice, it must not be assumed that they lack the capacity to make that decision. Each patient is different, and it is important to make sure they understand their diagnosis, how it affects them and their family, and the consequences of their decisions. This lesson will show you how to assess your patients using an interview process based on four steps: understand, communicate, appreciate, and reason.
Start the first chapter of our Palliative Care Essentials course for free
Do you struggle to manage the pain in patients with chronic, life-threatening conditions? Do you avoid those tough conversations about end-of-life care or advance planning? After attending this course, you will be able to identify and treat patients in need of palliative care.
Gain confidence in managing symptoms, discussing prognosis, and exploring values and goals of care.