title: Assessing capacity and obtaining consent for thrombolysis for acute stroke.
abstract: When offering treatment to a patient with capacity they should be informed of the risks and benefits of therapy and consent should be obtained. For patients without capacity, treatment is given in their 'best interests'. Achieving and assessing capacity to consent for treatment in the presence of acute illness can be difficult and especially so in patients suffering with acute stroke. This article presents patients' and doctors' perspectives on assessing capacity to consent to thrombolytic therapy for stroke.
authors.affiliation: Chambers of Anthony Berry QC, London.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Akinsanya
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Diggory
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Heitz
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D006113:United Kingdom