Developing and piloting the Consumer Experience of Capacity Assessment Tool (CECAT)

Autonomy in personal decision-making (DM) is a fundamental human right. Yet, DM can be impaired for many reasons, including poor health. If impairments are suspected, they may be formally investigated via a capacity assessment. The 'consumer' experience of such assessments is largely unexplored. The Consumer Experience of Capacity Assessment Tool (CECAT) was developed to address this gap. Fifteen individuals pilot tested the CECAT. The CECAT was found to be quick to complete, and easily understood. The results showed a wide range of perceptions about capacity assessment and suggestions for improvement (e.g., better communication to consumers about what to expect). With further development, the CECAT could be adopted as a standardised method for understanding the consumer experience of capacity assessment. This perspective could then be integrated into future capacity assessment guidelines so that appropriate human rights-based approaches are incorporated into capacity assessments.