Are Clinicians Ever Biased in Their Judgments of the Capacity of Older Adults to Make Medical Decisions?

Capacity assessment is a growing area of practice in geriatrics. In this pilot study we illustrate the potential relationship between clinician variables and capacity ratings. Twelve older adults with mild dementia or schizophrenia were rated by six clinicians from diverse disciplinary backgrounds....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Generations (San Francisco, Calif.) Calif.), 2009-04, Vol.33 (1), p.78-81
Main Authors: Braun, Michelle, Gurrera, Ronald, Karel, Michele, Armesto, Jorge, Moye, Jennifer
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ability
Alzheimer's disease
Autonomy
Cognitive ability
Decision making
Elderly
Geriatrics
Medical Decision Making
Medicine
Older people
Original
Patients
Ratings & rankings
Schizophrenia
Senility
Values
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Summary:Capacity assessment is a growing area of practice in geriatrics. In this pilot study we illustrate the potential relationship between clinician variables and capacity ratings. Twelve older adults with mild dementia or schizophrenia were rated by six clinicians from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Capacity ratings were associated with clinician values regarding patient involvement in medical decisions, clinician-patient mismatches on such values, and emotional reactions to patients. Expanding our understanding of the impact of clinician variables on capacity ratings may enhance the reliability and validity of capacity assessments and help to promote autonomy when appropriate.
ISSN:0738-7806
2694-5126