title: Mental capacity and professional advice in a patient with dysphagia.
abstract: This article considers the implications of a dispute between a speech therapist and other health professionals over whether a patient suffering from dysphagia should be allowed to take liquids by mouth. The right of the patient to act contrary to professional advice is discussed. The patient cannot insist that a health professional acts contrary to his or her professional judgment. The article also considers the law if the patient were to lack mental capacity.
authors.affiliation: University of Glamorgan.
authors.forename: Bridgit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dimond
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D034462:Dissent and Disputes / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007600:Judgment; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006113:United Kingdom