Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG108/1

Question

Training and support for practitioners:- What is the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of different training programmes on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 at improving practice for practitioners involved in supporting decision-making, conducting capacity assessments and making best interests decisions?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- The guideline committee agreed that effective training and support on the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how to apply its principles in practice is essential for practitioners working with people who may lack capacity to make a decision. The evidence the committee reviewed often referred to training and support, but very few studies looked at this area specifically. Some of the evidence suggested that practitioners did not always understand the requirements of the Act and
that their practice did not always comply with these. Much of the evidence was of low to moderate quality and there was no good-quality evidence evaluating the effectiveness of training and support in relation to the Act.
A better understanding of what training and support increases compliance with the Act could improve outcomes for people who may lack capacity to make a decision. Qualitative studies exploring the current barriers to delivering effective training and support and the challenges that practitioners face in using this learning in practice would help to inform measures for improvement.
Comparative studies are needed to determine the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of different approaches for delivering training and support to practitioners. Evaluating whether these increase compliance with the requirements of the Act would be especially informative.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Decision-making and mental capacity

Number

NG108

Date issued

October 2018

Other details