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Occupational therapy and decision‐making capacity assessment: A survey of practice in Ireland
Author(s) -
Usher Ruth,
Stapleton Tadhg
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
australian occupational therapy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1440-1630
pISSN - 0045-0766
DOI - 10.1111/1440-1630.12629
Subject(s) - occupational therapy , medicine , capacity building , medical education , nursing , family medicine , psychology , physical therapy , political science , law
The aim of the study was to explore occupational therapy practices regarding decision‐making capacity assessment and to examine factors that impact on engagement in this area. Methods Occupational therapists in Ireland were invited to participate in a cross‐sectional online questionnaire. Results One hundred and seventy‐two occupational therapists responded. 65.77% ( n = 98) reported that occupational therapy plays an important role in capacity assessment in their workplace. Occupational therapists most frequently contributed to decision‐making capacity assessment for independent living (79.19%, n = 118), driving (45.89%, n = 67) and financial management (44.44%, n = 64). Many participants reported that this is more difficult than other aspects of practice and that they are not satisfied with decision‐making capacity assessment procedures in their workplace. A large majority (91.86%, n = 113) reported occupational therapists would benefit from additional training and practice guidelines in the area of decision‐making capacity assessment. Conclusion The study confirms that occupational therapists have a role to play in the multi‐disciplinary assessment of decision‐making capacity. The results of the survey suggest that decision‐making capacity assessment is complex and challenging. Factors such as confidence, education and training impact on engagement with this area of practice. There is a need to develop education resources and guidelines for occupational therapists.