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Psychiatric Bulletin (2008) 32: 17-20. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.107.015313
© 2008 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Assessment of mental capacity: who can do it?

Ankush Singhal, Senior House Officer

*Harplands Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6TH, email: imdrankushsinghal{at}yahoo.com

Alok Kumar, Senior House Officer

Harplands Hospital, Stoke on Trent

Ravindra B. Belgamwar, Consultant Psychiatrist

Lymebrook Centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire

Richard E. Hodgson, Consultant Psychiatrist

Lymebrook centre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHODS

To determine the point prevalence of mental incapacity and the ‘Bournewood gap’ in general adult and old age mental health in-patients. The correlation of mental capacity assessment between doctors and nurses was investigated. Data were gathered on one census day for all general adult and old age psychiatric in-patients at three hospital sites.

RESULTS

Half the sample lacked capacity and one third fell into the ‘Bournewood gap’. The capacity assessment by nurses and doctors correlated highly ({kappa}=0.719, P=0.0001).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

‘Bournewood gap’ patients should have their needs assessed in order to identify and protect their rights. Appropriately trained mental health nursing staff can undertake this assessment.


Related articles in PB:

Assessment of mental capacity: who can do it, or who should do it?
Schalk du Toit
PB 2008 32: 196. [Full Text]  



eLetters:

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Assessment of mental capacity: who can do it, or who should do it?
Schalk W. du Toit, et al.
PB Online, 19 Feb 2008 [Full text]

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British Journal of Psychiatry Advances in Psychiatric Treatment All RCPsych Journals
Copyright © 2008 The Royal College of Psychiatrists.