Competence and the elderly patient with cognitive impairments

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the assessment of competence in the elderly, focusing particularly on individuals with cognitive impairments. An analysis of autonomy forms the basis of an ethical discussion which attempts to modify the existing concept of competence. A discussion of the fact...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAustralian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry Vol. 30; no. 6; p. 768
Main Author Ryan, S P
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.12.1996
Subjects
Aged
Cognition Disorders
Humans
Task Performance and Analysis
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Summary:The purpose of this paper is to discuss the assessment of competence in the elderly, focusing particularly on individuals with cognitive impairments. An analysis of autonomy forms the basis of an ethical discussion which attempts to modify the existing concept of competence. A discussion of the factors which influence competence is presented including variations in situation, task and degree of risk. A critical analysis of four standards of competence is presented, leading to a discussion of the standards which can most successfully promote self-determination in elderly patients. Finally, three classes of competence are suggested which extend the criteria of competence to patients to cognitive deficits.
ISSN:0004-8674
DOI:10.3109/00048679609065043