Executive function and capacity to consent to a noninvasive research protocol.
OBJECTIVE
This study measured the association between executive function and decision-making capacity in subjects consenting to a noninvasive research protocol.


METHODS
Subjects consenting to a noninvasive research protocol (N = 21; mean age: 65.5 [standard deviation: 9.2] years) were administered a modified version of The MacArthur Competency Assessment Tool-Treatment (MacCAT-T), Executive Interview (EXIT25), Executive Clock Drawing Task (CLOX), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).


RESULTS
The EXIT25 was the only instrument to correlate with each decision-making capacity domain: understanding, appreciation, and reasoning.


CONCLUSIONS
Executive function as measured by the EXIT25 is associated with multiple decision-making capacity domains.
Schillerstrom
Jason E
JE
Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA. schillerstr@uthsca.edu
Rickenbacker
Denae
D
Joshi
Kaustubh G
KG
Royall
Donald R
DR
D000368:Aged; D003657:Decision Making; D003693:Delirium / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D011340:Problem Solving; D035842:Research Subjects / Q000523:psychology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000601:surgery