From David Tuller's:
Trial By Error: Steve Brine’s Troubling Claim in Parliamentary Debate on ME
28 JANUARY 2019 (as per link at start of this thread)
"Overall,
this RCGP document endorses the shared decision-making concept. But there are exceptions–among them when the patient has illnesses referred to by the RCGP as “complex psychological problems, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”:
“We would take issue with…the statement that patients who had a choice of therapy were more content than those who wanted a choice but did not receive it is so obvious as to not need stating. Further, they were more content with their therapy–but what were the clinical outcomes? And what of patients with complex psychological problems, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, where a choice of treatment might do more harm than good?”
In other words, the RCGP clearly views ME as a psychiatric or psychological disorder. And the organization singles out people with the illness at the core of METRIC–and last week’s parliamentary debate–as potentially too disturbed or irrational to make their own treatment choices. The apparent justification for suggesting that they might not warrant this fundamental right is that the RCGP has determined that to grant it could be harmful to their health. Does Brine share this view of ME patients? [Paragraph edited after posting; see original paragraph at end of post.]"
Comments from a non-UK professional with decades of experience in the field of service to the mentally challenged, autistic, and persons with schizophrenia:
- this RCGP policy may be operating outside the law
- regarding the question of mental competency, there must be, and is
individual assessment for persons in this situation.
- those with Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and others who are mentally challenged may, and have been assessed as competent to handle their own affairs, and guide their own treatment.
My question - are the laws in the UK such that anyone diagnosed with a mental health condition, or who is otherwise mentally challenged, automatically deemed mentally incompetent, and therefore prevented from choosing, and guiding their own treatment?
Or, is this special privilege just saved for pwME?
It appears there may be very minimal rights for patients of all stripes in the UK.
This is probably too in-depth, but is there any protection at all for people who fall under the eye of the BPSites?
There has to be something, given that we live in the 21st century in the so-called developed world.
However, I understand new regulations and programs coming on stream may erode previous rights.
It appears the system is out of control.
.
)
