Citation

Ryan SP. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Psychiatry 1996; 30(6): 768-773.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9034465

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the assessment of competence in the elderly, focusing particularly on individuals with cognitive impairments. METHOD: An analysis of autonomy forms the basis of an ethical discussion which attempts to modify the existing concept of competence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A discussion of the factors which influence competence is presented including variations in situation, task and degree of risk. A critical analysis of four standards of competence is presented, leading to a discussion of the standards which can most successfully promote self-determination in elderly patients. Finally, three classes of competence are suggested which extend the criteria of competence to patients to cognitive deficits.

Language: en