38 Questions
What does the standard of weighing up information should not be set too high mean?
The standard for assessing a person's decision-making capacity should not be too rigorous.
What does it indicate if a patient frequently changes their mind about their choice due to psychiatric or neurological impairment?
It indicates that the patient lacks capacity to make a specific decision at that time.
According to the passage, what is the focus of assessing whether a patient can rationally weigh up different options?
How the patient arrives at their decision rather than just what they decide.
How does a mental capacity assessment differ from a general cognitive assessment?
Capacity assessment evaluates factors such as confusion, disorientation, and memory.
What should be communicated to an individual undergoing a capacity assessment?
Description of what is involved in the capacity assessment process and its possible outcomes.
What information must be provided to the person undergoing a capacity assessment in a form and language appropriate to their needs?
Information about the likely effects of making the decision.
What must be ensured by the person assessing capacity before meeting with the individual?
That an assessment is needed and permission is obtained.
What should be avoided in the preparation of questions for assessing capacity?
Asking multi-part questions
Which of the following is not necessary for the relevant person in terms of understanding information?
Understanding every element of the decision and options available
What must the relevant person be given for their capacity to weigh up options to be fairly assessed?
All necessary information and options so they can make an informed decision
What is sufficient for a person's ability to retain information for decision-making at the time of assessment?
Retaining information long enough to make a decision at the material time
What is included in the assessment of a person's ability to use or weigh up information relevant to the decision-making process?
Stating the benefits and risks of each option using relevant information
When is it considered sufficient for the relevant person to use or weigh up relevant information?
When they can explain why some options might be better than others using relevant information
What should be taken into account when preparing questions for assessing capacity?
The mixture of open, closed, and 'yes' or 'no' questions suitable for the person's needs
What should be covered in questioning during the assessment of capacity?
'What' questions about weighing up advantages and disadvantages
What is essential for a person's understanding of information relevant to the decision that needs to be made?
Understanding reasonably foreseeable consequences of choices available
What does it mean if a person is able to use or weigh up relevant information?
They can explain why some options might be better than others using relevant information
What are multi-part questions?
Questions that involve multiple steps or parts
What is the onus of proof when challenging a person's capacity to make a decision?
The person challenging capacity has to prove nothing
In which jurisdictions is capacity assessed using a 2-step process?
England and Wales
What requirement must be met for a person to lack decision-making capacity?
Impairment of their mind or brain making them unable to understand, retain, consider and apply information
Why does capacity need to be reassessed for each decision?
Because ability to understand, retain, consider and apply information may fluctuate over time
What is the key difference between a functional approach and a status approach to capacity assessment?
Functional approach is decision-specific while status approach is not
Who primarily holds the responsibility for assessing capacity?
The clinician
What can cause fluctuation in a person's ability to understand, retain, consider and apply information?
Temporary incapacity such as delirium
What does it mean when it is stated that 'capacity assessments are intrusive and threatening'?
'Capacity assessments may be distressing for the person concerned'
What happens if a person reaches a diagnostic threshold for one decision in a status approach?
'They are considered to lack capacity for all decisions'
'Always assume a person has the capacity to make a decision unless evidence clearly proves otherwise.' What principle does this statement reflect?
'Presumption of competence'
What are the 4 key elements in assessing a patient's capacity?
Understand, retain, use, communicate
What is the final step in managing the outcome of the assessment?
Documenting the assessment
What approach to capacity should one understand?
Functional approach
What should be considered in making a determination after the assessment?
Findings of the capacity assessment
Who should the outcome of the assessment be communicated to?
Patient and carers
What does it mean to 'retain the information' in assessing a patient's capacity?
To keep it in memory temporarily
What is meant by 'use and weigh (or balance) the information' in assessing a patient's capacity?
To consider and evaluate the information in making decisions
Why is it important to communicate a choice by any means possible in assessing a patient's capacity?
To ensure the patient feels heard and understood
What is essential in understanding who has legal authority to decide if a person lacks capacity to make a decision?
'Legal authority'
Which of these is NOT one of the key elements in assessing a patient's capacity?
Ensuring they can retain information indefinitely
This quiz assesses the understanding of decision making capacity in the context of a person's beliefs and values. It also evaluates the ability to communicate decisions effectively. Consider the standard of weighing up information and the inability to communicate a decision in any way as part of the assessment.
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