Competence and Capacity - NEW

Welcome to our Competence and Capacity Online Training Module. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of completion. The course duration is approximately 1 hour and will earn you 1 CPD point. You have 6 months from the date of purchase to finish this training.


Competence and Capacity
Course Duration: 1 Hour

1. Introduction to Competence and Capacity
• Definitions of competence and capacity
• Legal and professional responsibilities for healthcare workers
• The importance of safeguarding patient rights
2. Legal and Ethical Framework
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005
• The five statutory principles of the Act
• Code of Practice and its relevance to daily work
• Human Rights considerations
3. Assessing Capacity
• The two-stage test for capacity
• Practical steps in carrying out an assessment
• Recording and documenting findings
• Supporting individuals to make their own decisions
4. Best Interests Decisions
• What “best interests” means in practice
• Involving families, carers, and advocates
• Balancing risk, autonomy, and duty of care
• The role of Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs)
5. Consent and Decision-Making
• Difference between capacity and consent
• Valid consent requirements
• Refusal of treatment and respecting decisions
• Advance decisions and lasting powers of attorney
6. Professional Practice and Responsibilities
• Role of healthcare workers vs. other professionals
• Recognising when to escalate or seek advice
• Documentation, confidentiality, and accountability
7. Case Studies and Scenarios
• Applying the Mental Capacity Act to real situations
• Group discussions on complex cases
• Ethical dilemmas and reflective practice
8. Summary and Review
• Key takeaways from the course
• Resources and further reading
• Assessment of learning (quiz or scenario-based test)

Learning Outcomes
1. Define competence and capacity and explain their relevance in healthcare practice.
2. Describe the key principles of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how they apply in day-to-day work.
3. Apply the two-stage test for assessing capacity and recognise when an assessment is required.
4. Support individuals to make their own decisions wherever possible, using appropriate communication and practical strategies.
5. Differentiate between capacity and consent and explain the legal requirements for valid consent.
6. Explain what is meant by a ‘best interests’ decision and describe the process for making such decisions.
7. Identify the role of Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs) and when they should be involved.
8. Recognise professional responsibilities and limits of their role, including when to escalate concerns or seek further advice.
9. Accurately document capacity assessments and decisions, ensuring compliance with legal and organisational requirements.
10. Reflect on case studies scenarios to apply learning and improve decision-making in practice.


We hope you find this module informative and beneficial for your professional development in Competence and Capacity.

If you need more information about this course, please contact Train Healthcare directly at 0208 3266 704 or email contact@trainhealthcare.com.

Please note that refunds are not available for online training purchases.

Nursing and Midwife Council's (CPD Points).

Requirements:
It is necessary to complete 35 hours (35 Nursing CPD Points) of relevant CPD within the three-year period since your last registration renewal or since joining the register.
Of these 35 hours (35 Nursing CPD Points), a minimum of 20 hours (20 Nursing CPD Points), should be dedicated to participatory learning, which involves engaging in activities that facilitate interaction with other professionals.