Best interests

The framework for making a decision for a patient who lacks capacity — weighing their past and present wishes, values and the views of those close to them, choosing the least restrictive option.

More glossary terms

Advance decisionA legally binding decision made by a person with capacity to refuse a specified treatment in the future should they lose capacity — for example a refusal of blood products.
Aseptic Non-Touch TechniqueA standardised method for performing clinical procedures without contaminating key sites or parts, reducing infection risk. Often taught in practical-skill teaching stations.
Calgary-Cambridge modelA widely taught framework for structuring a medical consultation — from initiating the session and gathering information through to explanation, planning and closing — while building the relationship throughout.
Ceiling of careAn agreed limit on how aggressively a patient will be treated (for example, ward-based care but not ICU), based on their wishes and likely benefit. Common in relatives and ethics stations.

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