The Psychiatrist (2009) 33: 176-178. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.108.020537
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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The Mental Health Act 1983 and incapacity: what general hospital doctors know

Felicity Richards, Specialist Registrar

*Older Adult Psychiatry, Kidderminster Hospital, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster DY11 6RJ, email: flick_richards{at}hotmail.com

Jenny Dale, Specialist Registrar

General Adult Psychiatry, Birmingham Early Intervention Service

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

A questionnaire survey of general hospital doctors was conducted before and after a 1 h training intervention. Baseline levels of knowledge and confidence regarding the use of section 5(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983 and assessment and management of incapacitated patients were determined. Following a training intervention, improvements in these areas were established.

RESULTS

Eighteen doctors participated. Confidence in assessing capacity and the knowledge of treatment under common law and section 5(2) were low at baseline. Improvements were seen following the training intervention, with four knowledge items relating to section 5(2) achieving statistically significant improvements.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Simple training interventions delivered by psychiatrists may be an effective way of improving the knowledge and confidence of general hospital doctors.