Assessing the Need for Decision-Making Capacity Education in Hospitals and Long Term Care (LTC) Settings

Abstract

Clinicians are often asked to evaluate older individuals for their capacity to make decisions regarding their medical care, often referred to as “medical decision-making capacity” (MDMC). However, the degree to which clinicians have the necessary knowledge to properly evaluate MDMC is uncertain. To assess the level of training and knowledge that clinicians report having regarding MDMC, and to determine the best avenue for further education on this issue, a survey was developed and distributed to clinicians at a large medical center and long-term-care (LTC) facility. The majority of responders reported having minimal training about MDMC. They endorsed a limited to moderate level of current knowledge regarding the topic, although responders also ascribed a high level of importance/relevance of such knowledge to their line of work. Such responses suggest that the current educational modality has not met the needs of the respondents and that MDMC education has high importance/relevance.