Psychiatric evaluation of patient decision-making: Informed consent to ECT

摘要: Informed consent is a legal doctrine particular to Anglo-Saxon law. The specifies the rights of patients receive information about medical treatment prior making decision or refuse procedure. application informed psychiatry has provoked controversy and confusion. ability some mental understand nature recommended make knowing, rational in their best interests may be questioned. This paper presents preliminary results from an empirical study psychiatrists' evaluation patients' capacity electroconvulsive (ECT). Thirty-two psychiatrists United States were asked evaluate patient decision-making understanding which was documented videotaped interviews with patient. Observers shown three hospitalized patients, all referred for ECT. Patients varied terms apparent degree illness, status on admission hospital (voluntary vs. involuntary), decisions Results indicated that most rejected as final decision-maker treatment. They preferred either professional patient's relatives Negative evaluations justified by clinical assessments severity illness. Positive based specific risks, benefits, alternatives findings suggest complex ethical problems mix questions fact value.