capacity assessment
Formal evaluation of a patient's ability to make informed decisions about their medical care or personal affairs.
Full Definition
Capacity assessment is the clinical process of determining whether an individual has the cognitive and psychological ability to make informed decisions about specific matters such as medical treatment, financial affairs, or living arrangements. The assessment evaluates four key components: understanding relevant information, appreciating the significance of that information to one's situation, reasoning through treatment options, and expressing a stable choice. Capacity is decision-specific and can fluctuate over time, particularly in conditions like dementia or delirium. In geriatric psychiatry, capacity assessments are frequently requested when cognitive impairment raises questions about an individual's decision-making abilities, and the results have significant legal and ethical implications.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'competency,' which is a legal determination made by courts.
In Context
- "A formal capacity assessment was requested to evaluate treatment decision-making ability." — Psychiatry consultation request
- "The capacity assessment found preserved understanding despite mild cognitive impairment." — Forensic evaluation report