Pearls: in evaluating patient capacity to make medical decisions

Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006 Feb;3(2):42-6.

Abstract

Evaluations of patients' capacity to make medical decisions are among the most common and most complex consultations that psychiatrists are asked to perform. We describe tips that we have found to be helpful while performing capacity evaluations. We also share tips that should help the clinician make up his or her mind regarding the patient following capacity evaluations.