We are delighted to welcome Dr Catriona McIntosh back to Stewarts Soundbites to discuss the fascinating topic of age and gender bias in mental capacity assessments and beyond.
It is trite to say that when assessing a person’s mental capacity following a traumatic brain injury, it is necessary to consider a person’s ability to make specific types of decisions at specific times. There are usually a range of factors which influence an individual’s capacity to make a decision at any given time, but it is necessary for an assessor to reflect upon any potential misconceptions or unconscious bias that may arise, particularly in relation to a patient’s age or gender. It is also crucial for those working with brain injured individuals (case managers, wider treating teams and lawyers) to understand bias and examine causal nexus in questioning whether cognitive impairment is causing problematic behaviours or whether there are other factors at play.
Dr McIntosh will discuss the difficulties created by inherent bias and will reflect upon the practical steps assessors and treating teams can take to tackle the issue.
Date: 26 November 2025
Time: 13:00 – 13:15
Our speaker – Dr Catriona McIntosh
Dr McIntosh will provide a concise and insightful summary of the most recent case law on this topic. She will draw upon her experience of the practical issues arising when someone appears to have capacity at times and not at others and offer some top tips to those working with clients who experience this problem.
We really hope you can join us for a brilliantly insightful 15 minute session.
Previous Stewarts Soundbites episodes
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