Resumo

WILHELM, Kay. Decision making in mental health care: the caregiver’s role. Med. ética [online]. 2020, vol.31, n.4, pp.955-992.  Epub 21-Ago-2023. ISSN 2594-2166.  https://doi.org/10.36105/mye.2020v31n4.06.

This paper sets a framework for considering ethical issues related to involuntary treatment in people with a) intellectual and developmental disabilities, b) progressive neurocognitive impairments, or c) compromised mental health from the caregiver’s perspective. The different time courses for three groups of conditions are described, and potential impacts on the person affected and their caregivers in relation to decision.

While some issues for caregivers who are supporting capabilities of their loved ones to make healthcare decisions will vary, some principles apply across all groups. All caregivers need recognition and support for the roles they undertake. They need access to evidence-based, coherent and trustworthy information about available options, how to best fulfil these roles and how to look after their own health and wellbeing to best look after the person for whom they are caring.

Palavras-chave : mental health care; decision making capacity; caregivers.