PODCAST : Defining Decision Making Capacity in ICU

Its one of the most difficult issues we wrangle with in critical care - how are decisions made about the capacity of a patient to determine their own treatment.

Earlier this year, the Medical Journal of Australia published an insightful article on this issue.  The lead author, Kerri Eagle, is a (shall we say) reformed legal practitioner, having returned to university to study medicine.

I found the paper intriguing.  It raised countless scenarios for me, many that I've already experienced in my day-to-day career.

I was fortunate enough to be able to interview Kerri recently and discuss some of these issues.  Listen to it here

Reference
1. Potentially incapable patients objecting to treatment : doctors' powers and duties.  Med J Aust (2014); 200:352-54