Mental Capacity Act 2005: views and experiences of learning disability psychiatrists

Sawhney, Indermeet; Mukhopadhyay, Abir; Karki, Chuda

doi:10.1192/pb.bp.108.020479

Cited by 10 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…This is consistent with previous research concluding training for implementing the MCA was inadequate, not only for psychologists (Todd et al, 2008), but also for other professionals such as care home managers and staff (Manthorpe et al, 2011), social workers (McDonald, 2010, psychiatrists (Sawhney et al, 2009), and nurses (Samsi et al, 2012). Similarly to the participants in this study, other studies' findings also reflected that clinical psychologists developed competence and confidence largely through gaining clinical experience of capacity issues (Todd et al, 2008;Moberg and Kniele, 2006), and again, this also applied to other professionals such as nurses (Manthorpe et al, 2012).…”

Section: Competence and Confidencesupporting

confidence: 91%

Clinical psychologists’ implementation of the Mental Capacity Act

Walji

Fletcher

Weatherhead

2014

Social Care and Neurodisability

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to present an exploration of the experiences of clinical psychologists involved in implementing the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). Design/methodology/approach -Seven clinical psychologists were interviewed and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings -Six themes were identified: competence and confidence; understanding and uncertainty; colleagues, collaboration, conflicts, and challenges; working within the law: processes and penalties; the psychological way: specialist skills and difficult decision-making; and power, principles, and protecting the person. The themes highlighted how the specialist skills and professional values of clinical psychologists enhanced their ability to maintain person-centred approaches and uphold the empowering principles underlying the MCA. Data analysis indicated a shared narrative among clinical psychologists involved in implementing the MCA, despite differences in client groups and contexts. Practical implications -This research highlighted the importance of finding solutions to current problems with the implementation of the MCA, such as training gaps and misunderstanding of the Act in relation to some of its complexities (e.g. deprivation of liberty safeguards and best interests decisions). These areas have the potential to significantly impact on a person's wellbeing. There is an ongoing need for training, multidisciplinary working, and strong effective supervision with ongoing reflexivity, if the Act is to be implemented in the holistic person-centred manner that are the foundations on which it was developed. Originality/value -This research identifies the important role clinical psychologists have to play in this process. Their specialist skills can encourage a person-centred approach to the implementation of the MCA.

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Section: Competence and Confidencesupporting

confidence: 91%

Clinical psychologists’ implementation of the Mental Capacity Act

Walji

Fletcher

Weatherhead

2014

Social Care and Neurodisability

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“…Consequently, implementation of the MCA presents a challenge to services (Hardy & Joyce, 2009; Johnston & Liddle, 2007). Many studies have reported a generally poor state of knowledge regarding consent to treatment, and other mental capacity issues, among doctors and other National Health Service (NHS) staff (Evans, Warner, & Jackson, 2007; Fisher‐Jeffes, Barton, & Finlay, 2007; Guvver, Hindle, Harrison, Jain, & Brinsden, 2010; Jackson & Warner, 2002; McCullough, 2009; Richards & Dale, 2009; Sawhney, Mukhopadhyay, & Karki, 2009; Schofield, 2008; Willner, Jenkins, Rees, John, & Griffiths, 2011), though two recent studies of specialist staff were more encouraging (Shah, Banner, Heginbotham, & Fulford, 2010; Wilson, Seymour, & Perkins, 2010). While some mental capacity issues may need a specialist assessment, any health care worker could be faced with a patient whose capacity is uncertain, so it is essential that mental capacity issues are understood generally, not simply in specialist services.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What do NHS staff learn from training on the Mental Capacity Act (2005)?

Willner

Bridle

Price

et al. 2011

Legal Criminol Psychol

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Purpose. Many studies have reported that professionals have a limited understanding of mental capacity issues. Implementation (in England and Wales) of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) (2005) presents a challenge to services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which National Health Service (NHS) staff benefited from attending MCA training courses. Methods. Participants were assessed before and after MCA training using a structured interview, which included three scenarios describing mental capacity dilemmas, four vignettes addressing the role of the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA), and 16 true–false items. Results. Interview performance improved post‐training, but this could be largely ascribed to an increased awareness of mental capacity issues, with minimal improvements in the knowledge that would be needed to undertake the assessments. Nine areas were identified where there remained significant gaps in participants’ knowledge post‐training. Participants with experience of dealing with mental capacity issues performed better than those without. Conclusions. The results suggest that methods other than formal training events may be needed to prepare health staff to implement new legislation.

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“…2007; Richards & Dale 2009). A recent survey of learning‐disability psychiatrists reported a similarly poor understanding of situations requiring an IMCA referral and the legal situation regarding people who lack capacity to consent to be detained (Sawhney et al. 2009).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge of Mental Capacity Issues in Community Teams for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Willner

Jenkins

Rees

et al. 2011

Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities

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Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the state of knowledge of mental capacity issues among health and social services professionals working in community teams supporting people with learning disabilities. Methods A structured interview was constructed around three scenarios, based on actual cases, concerning a financial/legal issue, a health issue and a relationships issue, as well as a set of ten ‘true/false’ statements. The interview aimed to elicit respondents’ understanding in relation, primarily, to assessment of capacity and best‐interests decision making. Forty interviews were conducted (two social workers and two health professionals from each of ten community teams). Most participants had attended training on the Mental Capacity Act (2005). Results Performance of social services and health staff was similar throughout. Fourteen areas of concern were identified where there appeared to be significant gaps in knowledge. Conclusions Participants, particularly those who had experience of dealing with mental capacity issues, had good insight into the extent of their knowledge, and most participants said that the interview had made them aware of further training needs.

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Mental Capacity Act 2005: views and experiences of learning disability psychiatrists

Cited by 10 publications

References 6 publications

Clinical psychologists’ implementation of the Mental Capacity Act

Clinical psychologists’ implementation of the Mental Capacity Act

What do NHS staff learn from training on the Mental Capacity Act (2005)?

Knowledge of Mental Capacity Issues in Community Teams for Adults with Learning Disabilities

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