Assessment of Capacity to Make Treatment Decisions in Adults with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Capacity is a key issue in decision making. Assessments of capacity determine whether someone's wishes are to be respected, or if a decision is to be made on his or her behalf. In this paper, current legal concepts of ‘capacity’ are briefly outlined, followed by an analysis of practical difficulties that are likely to be encountered in clinical practice when assessing capacity in adults with learning disabilities. Clinicians are alerted to external factors that may influence a person's decision‐making abilities, and possible ways of maximising capacity are presented. Finally, further research directions are suggested.

Citation

Wong, J. (1997), "Assessment of Capacity to Make Treatment Decisions in Adults with Learning Disabilities", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 2 No. 3, pp. 35-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/13595474199700027