Medical Decision-Making Capacity: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Clinical Evaluation Practices of Primary-Care Physicians and Psychiatrists in Croatia

Abstract

Decision-making capacity (DMC) is a prerequisite for informed consent to medical treatments. However, little is known about the knowledge, attitudes, and evaluation of DMC among physicians in Croatia. A survey was conducted among 180 general practitioners and psychiatrists in Croatia. Although from a legal perspective DMC is a dichotomous concept, about 90% of physicians indicated that they understand DMC to be a gradual concept. A majority of physicians considered themselves responsible and qualified to conduct DMC evaluations, though some physicians considered themselves insufficiently qualified. General practitioners considered themselves less responsible and less qualified than psychiatrists. Almost all participants indicated that they would welcome official guidelines and training.