What are the essential components of capacity?
The essential components of capacity (all of which are required) and special situations are recalled by the mnemonic CURVES :
the patient must be able to C ommunicate a C hoice and express an adequate U nderstanding of the risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences, and the choice must logically follow (i.e., be R easonable) from this understanding and the patient’s expressed V alue system. In E mergency situations when no S urrogate decision maker is available, life- or limb-saving interventions may be performed for a patient who lacks capacity.
