Geriatric Quick Consult      Decision-making Capacity      Do #3

When unsure, request another qualified professional's opinion

Knowledge

Action

There is no "bright line" for decisional capacity, and it is sometimes difficult to be sure about a given patient's status. When you are unsure about decisional capacity, ask for another opinion, preferably from someone who is familiar with this sort of evaluation. Good places to seek help for problems with older patients may include psychiatry, neurology, geriatric medicine consults, or the patient's regular physician.

In the face of uncertainty about a patient's decision making capability, seek help from an appropriate specialist or the patient's physician.