Enhancing decision-making capacity assessments in primary care: A practical guide for family physicians

Abstract

Family physicians play a crucial role in assessing decision-making capacity, yet face challenges because of time constraints and lack of training. This article presents a structured framework to guide these assessments, ensuring ethical and efficient evaluations. By applying key principles—clarifying the decision at hand, assessing understanding, appreciation, reasoning, and expression—physicians can navigate complex cases while balancing patient autonomy with appropriate medical care.