Background: Requests for evaluation of mental capacity in general hospitals have increased in frequency.

Objective: The authors sought to determine the interventions required to respond adequately and assess the initiating circumstances.

Method: Questionnaires completed by psychiatric consultants were analyzed, and chart reviews were completed.

Results: Capacity evaluation alone resolved 32% of the requests; 31% required an evaluation plus additional interventions; 37% did not require a capacity evaluation. Patients threatening to leave against advice, and/or refusing treatments or procedures represented 64% of requests. Consultants successfully resolved 88% of such cases.

Conclusion: A mental capacity evaluation alone was insufficient to resolve two-thirds of problems eliciting requests. Consultation-liaison psychiatrists can use these evaluations as teaching opportunities.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.psy.50.5.468DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

mental capacity
12
capacity evaluation
12
evaluation mental
8
capacity general
8
capacity
5
evaluation
5
psychiatric evaluation
4
general hospital
4
hospital teaching
4
teaching opportunity
4

Similar Publications

Introduction: Intrinsic Capacity in integrated geriatric care emphasizes the importance of a thorough functional assessment. Monitoring the intrinsic capacity of older individuals provides standardized and reliable information to prevent early disability. This study assessed the relationship between intrinsic capacity and functional ability in older adults.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Each hour injures, the last one kills.

Australas Psychiatry

January 2025

Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

The haemorrhage of psychiatrists from the NSW state-funded mental health system parallels losses throughout Australia, and internationally. The lack of workforce cripples the capacity to provide adequate care. There has been persistently neglectful under-resourcing of the care of people with severe mental illness.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Aim: To explore the meaning of adaptation after visceral transplantation in terms of patient experiences, symptoms, self-efficacy, transplant-specific and mental well-being.

Design: A convergent parallel mixed-methods study, consisting of interviews and generic as well as transplant-specific questionnaires. Results were integrated using meta-inference.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background-objectives: Multiple dynamic interacting factors contribute to the presence and progression of eating disorders (ED). Empirical research has provided mixed findings regarding the mechanisms explaining the contribution of body mass index (BMI) to the diverse ED endophenotypes. The present study aims to evaluate the underlying processes (direct and indirect effects) contributing to BMI and ED severity, considering the contribution of multiple neuropsychological constructs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The Role of Neuroglia in the Development and Progression of Schizophrenia.

Biomolecules

December 2024

Neurochemical Research Unit and Bebensee Schizophrenia Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G3, Canada.

Schizophrenia is a complex heterogenous disorder thought to be caused by interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The theories developed to explain the etiology of schizophrenia have focused largely on the dysfunction of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and glutamate with their receptors, although research in the past several decades has indicated strongly that other factors are also involved and that the role of neuroglial cells in psychotic disorders including schizophrenia should be given more attention. Although glia were originally thought to be present in the brain only to support neurons in a physical, metabolic and nutritional capacity, it has become apparent that these cells have a variety of important physiological roles and that abnormalities in their function may make significant contributions to the symptoms of schizophrenia.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!