Neuropsychology's Role in Assessment of Medical Decision-Making Capacity, Home Safety, and Driving Ability

Abstract

Individuals with neurologic illness/injury often experience changes in their daily functioning. Clinical providers caring for these individuals are frequently called upon for input as patients and their families navigate challenging decisions to ensure safety. This article reviews 3 areas in which recommendations from clinicians are often requested: medical decision-making, home safety, and driving. Strategies for making recommendations in these areas is offered including discussion of how neuropsychology evaluations can provide useful information to aid in making recommendations.

Keywords: Decisional capacity; Dispositional capacity; Driving ability; Home safety; Neuropsychological assessment.