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.


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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]