Patient Decision-Making Capacity and Risk
Creator
Wicclair, Mark R.
Bibliographic Citation
Bioethics. 1991 Apr; 5(2): 91-104.
Abstract
Although certain requisites of patient decision-making competency are generally agreed upon, there is no universally recognized standard. Wicclair, of the University of West Virginia Department of Philosophy, offers two reasons why a single standard should not be determined. First, competency is variable according to the decision at hand, i.e., task-related. Second, arguments in support of risk-related criteria fail. Wicclair challenges claims that a risk-related standard is legally the most feasible, is supported by the doctrine of informed consent, is consistent with everyday competence judgments, and achieves the best compromise between patient autonomy and concern for patient well-being. He argues that where risk is high, such a standard threatens unattainable requirements for competency; and where it is low, offers no set minimum, resulting in overly weak competency standards. Wicclair concludes that the standard of decision-making capacity should not vary by risk perceived. (KIE abstract)
Date
1991-04Subject
Age Factors; Allowing to Die; Autonomy; Beneficence; Case Studies; Communication; Competence; Comprehension; Consent; Decision Making; Evaluation; Informed Consent; Legal Aspects; Moral Policy; Paternalism; Patient Care; Patients; Philosophy; Physicians; Policy Analysis; Risk; Standards; Third Party Consent; Treatment Refusal; Values; Withholding Treatment;
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Patient Decision-Making Capacity and Risk
Wicclair, Mark R. (1991-04)