Narrative medicine and decision-making capacity.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The author proposes a new model for the assessment of decision-making capacity based on the principles of narrative medicine. The narrative method proposed by the author addresses the hidden power realtionships implicit in the current model of capacity assessment.

METHODS

Sample cases are reviewed using the traditional model in comparison with the narrative model.

RESULTS

Narrative medicine provides an effective model for the assessment of decision-making capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Deficiencies in the traditional model capacity assessment can be effectively addressed using narrative strategies.