Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

Also known as: DoLS, Liberty Protection Safeguards, LPS

Legal safeguards ensuring that restricting the liberty of a person who lacks capacity (e.g. in a care home or hospital) is lawful, necessary, and in their best interests.

DoLS (being replaced by the Liberty Protection Safeguards) protects vulnerable patients. Recognising when a restriction needs formal authorisation is the key learning point.

More glossary terms

ABCDE approachA systematic method for assessing and treating an acutely unwell patient — Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure — dealing with each before moving on.
AMPLE historyA focused emergency history — Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last meal, Events — taken quickly in acute situations.
ARCPThe annual assessment that decides whether a doctor in training has met the competencies to progress to the next stage.
AVPU scaleA rapid way to grade consciousness — Alert, responds to Voice, responds to Pain, Unresponsive — used in initial assessment.

Put it into practice

Rehearse PLAB 2 stations with AI simulated patients and get structured feedback after every consultation.

Start free