Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
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Australas Psychiatry · Oct 2018
Staff awareness of the application of Mental Health and Guardianship Legislation in the care of hospitalised older persons.
The study aimed to survey hospital staff knowledge of the application of the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW) (MHA) and the Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW) (GA) in the care and treatment of older persons in a teaching hospital in Sydney. Method Over a two-month period in 2017, a survey questionnaire was distributed to staff involved in older persons' care across the hospital. ⋯ Although clinical staff of the hospital displayed fair knowledge and awareness about the application of the MHA and the GA to inpatient care of older adults, further education is necessary, particularly about the application of the GA. The authors suggest similar findings may occur at other New South Wales hospitals, which may raise concern and need for education.
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Australas Psychiatry · Oct 2018
An algorithm for managing adults who refuse medical treatment in New South Wales.
The assessment and management of a patient who refuses medical treatment requires clinical skill, and consideration of the relevant law and the patient's decision-making capacity. Psychiatrists are often asked to advise in these situations. We aimed to develop an algorithm describing the relevant legal pathways to assist clinicians, especially psychiatrists, working in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. ⋯ The algorithm provides a clear decision tree for clinicians responding to a patient refusing medical treatment in NSW.