A critical appraisal of the impact of section 3 of the Mental Capacity Act (2005)
Amblum-Almér, R. (2014). A critical appraisal of the impact of section 3 of the Mental Capacity Act (2005). Journal of Paramedic Practice: the clinical monthly for emergency care professionals, 6(8), pp. 422-428. doi: 10.12968/jpar.2014.6.8.422
Abstract
Paramedic’s have verbalised uncertainty on how to proceed when treating unwell patients who refuse treatment, stating that they feel ill equipped to interpret situations when patients refuse treatment. They expressed a need, to be formally trained in how to systematically, yet quickly, assess a patient’s capacity, rather than relying on intuition or opting out with the ‘take them to hospital’ approach, as they report it is better to face the accusation of assault or battery, than allegations of negligence. This article will explore the appropriate mechanisms and approach for the assessment of capacity in emergency situations. Capacity will be defined according to MCA (2005) with an explanation of consent and the particular difficulties faced by paramedics in the assessment of capacity in an emergency will be identified and analysed. Finally, there will be an attempt to explain the ‘correct’ way to assess capacity, with reference to the MCA, the accompanying Code of Practice.
| Publication Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Publisher Keywords: | Autonomy; Consent; Decision making; Mental capacity; Mental Capcity; Act 2005; Negligence |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RT Nursing |
| Departments: | School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Nursing |
| SWORD Depositor: |
Download (303kB) | Preview
Export
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
Metadata
MetadataActions (login required)
Admin Login