Impact of introducing a capacity-based mental health law in Norway: qualitative exploration of multi-stakeholder perspectives.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Decision-making capacity (DMC) is key to capacity-based mental health laws. In 2017, Norway introduced a lack of DMC as an additional criterion for involuntary care and treatment to strengthen patient autonomy and reduce involuntary care. Health registry data reveal an initial reduction followed by rising involuntary care and treatment rates post-2017. Despite jurisdictions moving towards capacity-based mental health laws, little is known about their impact.

Aims

To explore the impact of introducing a capacity-based mental health law governing involuntary care and treatment.

Method

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted in 2018 with 60 purposively sampled stakeholders, including patients, families, health professionals and lawyers. Of th

SUBMITTER: Jorem J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12001955 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature