TREATMENT DECISION MAKING
Assessment Tools
Capacity assessment depends on interaction with the patient over time rather than tests. There is no gold standard instrument or "capacimeter"that assesses decisional capacity. For example, the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE)gauges orientation, long-and short-term, and mathematical and language dexterity. It is less helpful in gauging the patient's ability to understand the implications of a decision.
Kurlowitz, L, & Wallace, M. (Jan 1999). Try this: Best practices in nursing care to older adults: The mini mental state examination (MMSE), Issue #3. Retrieved June 6, 2004, from The John A. Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, College of Nursing, New York University website.
Last updated - January 2006
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