Abstract
Aims and MethodA questionnaire survey of general hospital doctors was conducted before and after a 1h training intervention. Baseline levels of knowledge and confidence regarding the use of section 5(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983 and assessment and management of incapacitated patients were determined. Following a training intervention, improvements in these areas were established.ResultsEighteen doctors participated. Confidence in assessing capacity and the knowledge of treatment under common law and section 5(2) were low at baseline. Improvements were seen following the training intervention, with four knowledge items relating to section 5(2) achieving statistically significant improvements.Clinical ImplicationsSimple training interventions delivered by psychiatrists may be an effective way of improving the knowledge and confidence of general hospital doctors.
Highlights
The Mental Health Act Commission has highlighted the importance of training in its guidance notes on this matter and has suggested that this might well be provided in conjunction with a local mental health unit.[5]
This study aimed to find out the level of knowledge and confidence of a cross-section of general hospital doctors regarding section 5(2), assessment of capacity and treatment of incapacitated patients under common law
The intervention consisted of a 1h lecture and workshop giving information regarding the framework of capacity, common law and the Mental Health Act 1983, with particular attention to the use of section 5(2)
Summary
A questionnaire survey of general hospital doctors was conducted before and after a 1h training intervention.
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