Consent & Capacity

Question 1

What are the 2 types of consent?

Answer 1

• Explicit: a person gives staff specific permission to do something
• Implied: a person gives their consent indirectly, e.g. bringing a Rx in to collect

Question 2

For consent to be valid, the person must: (5)

Answer 2

• Have capacity to give consent
• Be acting voluntarily
• Have sufficient balanced information to make an informed decision
• Be capable of using and weighing the information given
• Understand the consequences of not giving consent

Question 3

What is lack of capacity, and what legislation defines it?

Answer 3

• Defined by the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• A person lacks capacity if they are unable to communicate the decision because of an impairment that affects the way their brain or mind works

Question 4

What should be true, in order for someone to make an informed decision?

Answer 4

• Understand and remember the information
• Use and weigh up the information
• Communicate their decision to the pharmacy professional

Question 5

When can an adult’s informed choice to refuse treatment be overridden?

Answer 5

• When the law requires the treatment e.g. compulsory treatment as authorised by mental health legislation