Occupational therapy and decision-making capacity assessment: A survey of practice in Ireland

The aim of the study was to explore occupational therapy practices regarding decision-making capacity assessment and to examine factors that impact on engagement in this area.

Occupational therapists in Ireland were invited to participate in a cross-sectional online questionnaire.

One hundred and seventy-two occupational therapists responded. 65.77% (n = 98) reported that occupational therapy plays an important role in capacity assessment in their workplace. Occupational therapists most frequently contributed to decision-making capacity assessment for independent living (79.19%, n = 118), driving (45.89%, n = 67) and financial management (44.44%, n = 64). Many participants reported that this is more difficult than other aspects of practice and that they are not satisfied with decision-making capacity assessment procedures in their workplace. A large majority (91.86%, n = 113) reported occupational therapists would benefit from additional training and practice guidelines in the area of decision-making capacity assessment.

The study confirms that occupational therapists have a role to play in the multi-disciplinary assessment of decision-making capacity. The results of the survey suggest that decision-making capacity assessment is complex and challenging. Factors such as confidence, education and training impact on engagement with this area of practice. There is a need to develop education resources and guidelines for occupational therapists.