Reasons for requests for evaluation of competency in a municipal general hospital.
During the period from July through September 1989, 380 referrals to a psychiatry consultation-liaison service were reviewed. Of these patients, 25% were referred for a determination of competency, despite the fact that they often showed no evidence of mental illness. Seventy-five percent of the patients were found to be competent. Fear of medical legal consequences, physician's anxiety, lack of understanding of the rights of patients to refuse treatment, and a misunderstanding of the physician's duty when presented with such refusal seem to be the reasons for the large number of referrals.
Jourdan
J B
JB
Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.
Glickman
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006773:Hospitals, Municipal; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012189:Retrospective Studies