Essentials of consultation

Question 1

When we talk about full capacity What must the patient be able to

Answer 1

Take in and retaim info

Weigh up the info and make a rational decision
Consider how decision relates to individual
Communicate the decision consistently over time
No coercion

Question 2

Preference

Answer 2

Ability to communicate a consistent preference over time

Question 3

Factual understand ing

Answer 3

Nature of illness
Treatment options
Prognosis
Risk and benefit of treatmenr

Question 4

Appreciation of the facts

Answer 4

Appreciates the significance, implication of the medical decision and consequences of the future

Question 5

Rational manupulation of info

Answer 5

Process individual uses to arrive at decision taking into account their past preferences and decisions

Question 6

Informed consent

Answer 6

Understands diagnosis amd nature of condition
Expected bemefits from proposed treatment
Nature and likelihood of the risks involved
Inability to precisely predict results of the treatment
Reversibilty of the treatment
Risks, bemefitd and results of alternative or no treatment