Decision Making

What is decision-making capacity?

Decision-making capacity evaluations are conducted to answer the question of whether an individual can make a very specific decision for themselves. In answering that question, our Thomson neuropsychologists are trying to evaluate whether the individual is able to fully understand and appreciate the options and associated consequences of the options that are available to them. We are not looking to convince you to make a decision in a certain way. Your decision is your prerogative, even if your physician or loved ones do not agree with the decision you make. In a decision-making capacity evaluation, we are only trying to assess your ability to understand the circumstances surrounding the decision that you have to make.

What are the signs?

Possible barriers to a patient’s capacity to make a decision for themselves include:

• An abrupt change in mental status (e.g. confusion/delirium, psychosis, coma),
• Known risk-factors for impaired decision-making, such as a chronic neurologic or psychiatric condition, or
• A significant cultural or language barrier, an education level concern, or an acknowledged fear or discomfort with the healthcare setting that would interfere with a patient’s ability to understand the information that is being shared with them.

What is the treatment?

After an evaluation of your decision-making capacity is complete and your feedback appointment is complete, Thomson will forward your report to your referring provider. The referring provider will then work with you to determine next steps in your medical care.

There is no treatment, per say, for someone who is determined to be incapable of making a specific decision for themselves. If, during the process of obtaining a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, any treatable cognitive difficulties are identified in addition to the evaluation of decision-making capacity, our neuropsychologists will be certain to offer those recommendations to you during your feedback session. In particular, we have a team of cognitive rehabilitation therapists in-house who would can partner with you. We are also happy to provide referral to services outside Thomson, when appropriate.