Refusal | Challenging issue |
---|---|
Minor intervention with a low or unclear risk involved where the patient has no living relatives or legal representatives. | Mild forgetfulness: Information about the intervention is lost after each appointment, but the attention and awareness are preserved so that momentary informed consent is possible. |
Intervention for major, but non-life-threatening disease. | Severe cognitive deficits, but earlier oral statements consistent with the refusal. |
Life-saving surgery (e.g., necessary amputation) and the patient has no living relatives or next of kin. | Patient lacks capacity according to the psychiatric consultant, but to neglect the refusal would mean to heavily infringe on the patient’s actual expressed will. |