Capacity and Consent course for GPs

This session explores the UK legal framework for assessing competence in young people, with particular regard to consent to treatment. Case studies are used to explore the appropriate action to take.

Learning objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the UK legal framework in the UK for assessing competence in young people
• Recognise the law with regard to consent to treatment
• Identify the action to take when consent cannot be obtained because the young person refuses the treatment
• Identify the action to take when consent cannot be obtained because the young person is not considered competent

Although the principles discussed are widely used in the context of sexual healthcare, they apply to all aspects of healthcare for young people.