Determining a patient's best interests

Abstract

Best interests is the standard by which the law judges the propriety of care and treatment for adults who lack decision-making capacity. Since the introduction of mental capacity legislation, determining best interests has moved from a paternalistic risk benefit analysis by the district nurse providing care to an incapable patient to a more holistic approach where the wishes, views and values of the patient and their relatives must be considered. This article discusses how district nurses should approach the assessment and determination of best interests to meet the requirements of the law.