37 * CONSENT TO TREATMENT MENTAL CAPACITY ACT 2005- MENTAL CAPACITY ACT 2 DOCUMENTATION AUDIT

Evidence base: Assessing and determining a patient's mental capacity is a cornerstone of medical practice, particularly fundamental in Geriatric medicine. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 outlined key requirements and in Essex, a legal document- the Mental Capacity Act 2 (MCA2) form was created to document lack of capacity and best interest decisions for vulnerable adults. An audit was performed to determine whether forms were completed to satisfactory legal standard. Change strategies: MCA2 forms were collected over a four month period in 2013 and added to a previous cohort from 2012 giving a total of 477 forms. Each was systematically crosschecked against a single MCA15–a checklist highlighting each section of the MCA2. A cross audit was completed to highlight any discrepancy in results. Data was analysed and results presented at various departmental meetings. A guide to filling in these forms is available along with posters and arranged teaching sessions for clinicians.