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Reflecting on values and bias in mental capacity decision-making

Key Learning Points

  • Professional values and ethics are essential to underpin effective mental capacity decision making.
  • Professionals need to be mindful of their personal values and how these can influence decision making.
  • Good communication skills empower patients/service users who may find themselves in disempowering environments.
  • Health professionals are continuously involved in decision making regarding care and treatment where Informed consent needs to be sought.
  • Critical reflection on practice is key to ethical practice and includes examination of personal biases and consideration of the social context of individual patients/service users.