General practitioners and decision-making capacity assessment: The experiences and educational needs of New Zealand general practitioners

Abstract

Background: Assessing decision-making capacity to health care is within the scope of practice for all doctors, yet the experience of GPs in this area is unknown. Objective: To explore the experiences, perspectives, approaches and challenges for GPs in New Zealand when conducting decision-making capacity assessments. Methods: Qualitative study design comprising individual in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted with a convenience sample of GPs. Interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Twelve participants were recruited. The following themes emerged: (i) GPs’ roles and responsibilities in decision-making capacity assessments; (ii) GPs lack formal training, knowledge, and confidence in decision-making capacity assessments; (iii) the legal interface of decision-making capacity assessments; (iv) GPs’ relationships with specialists and the resulting impact on their confidence in decision-making capacity assessments; and (v) opportunities to improve GPs’ knowledge and confidence in decision-making capacity assessments. Conclusions: GPs take responsibility for decision-making capacity assessments; however, assessments can be complex.There is a need to develop specific curriculum and training resources for GPs to improve their clinical skills and legal knowledge in decision-making capacity assessments.