PROGRAMME

Overview:

This workshop examines the complex process of evaluating mental capacity across different life stages. The workshop will cover pertinent issues from children and adolescents navigating autonomy and consent, to adults facing complex decisions, and elderly individuals dealing with cognitive decline or neurodegenerative disorders.

This workshop explores the complexities of mental capacity assessment across the lifespan, from childhood to old age. We have managed to get experts in different fields. From legal competency in forensic cases to decision-making in children, hospitalised patients, and the elderly, this workshop brings together four expert psychiatrists to explore the nuances of capacity assessment in different populations. They will lead the sessions examining the legal frameworks, ethical dilemmas, and practical challenges involved in assessing capacity in diverse contexts.

Participants will engage with real-life case discussions and interactive panels designed to deepen understanding and enhance practical skills in navigating capacity assessments across clinical, legal, and developmental domains.

Why It Matters:

Mental capacity is not static; it varies over time, across different contexts, and with the complexity of decisions. For psychiatrists, understanding and assessing capacity is a crucial part of clinical care. We must respect and safeguard autonomy while providing support that enables informed decision-making. With Malaysia’s ageing population, rising youth mental health needs, and increasing legal demands, capacity assessments have never been more relevant.

Key Highlights:

• Developmental considerations in assessing capacity in children and adolescents, e.g., assent vs consent, legal vs functional capacity
• Adult mental health contexts, including severe mental illness, substance use, or fluctuating insight
• Elderly care, particularly in cases of dementia, delirium, and frailty, where testamentary capacity, healthcare decisions, or guardianship may be involved
• Practical tools, structured interviews, and documentation strategies
• Ethical dilemmas and medico-legal implications

Workshop Details:

Target Audience:

Psychiatrists, trainees, psychologists, social workers, and legal-psychiatric liaisons.

Key takeaways:

Enhance your understanding of mental capacity in diverse contexts with real-world applicability in civil, medical, and legal settings.

speakers:

Brief, Practical Strategies for High-Demand Settings

Workshop Abstract:

Self-harm and suicidality are growing clinical challenges, often presenting abruptly in outpatient settings with limited time and resources, including competent clinicians. This interactive workshop is designed to equip mental health professionals with important skills to manage these high-risk presentations more confidently.

The session starts with a case vignette, setting the platform for the practical application of skills in the workshop. Participants will then be guided in conducting a focused suicide inquiry, tailored for busy clinical environments. Emphasis will be placed on identifying key risk factors, understanding intent, and developing brief, evidence-informed, person-centred, and feasible crisis interventions and safety plans within time constraints.

This is followed by “Suicide and Self-Harm Through the Systemic Lens,” which broadens the perspective beyond the individual, exploring how family dynamics, social context, and systemic barriers contribute to distress. Participants will learn how to apply systemic thinking in their formulation and interventions.

The workshop concludes with an often-overlooked topic: Postvention for Professionals. This segment addresses the emotional toll and trauma experienced by clinicians managing suicide crises. Strategies for debriefing, self-care, and organisational support will be discussed to promote resilience.

With a combination of case-based learning, experiential exercises, and reflective discussions, this workshop aims to strengthen clinical competence and readiness in surviving the storm of suicidality with clarity and safety.

Workshop Details:

Target Audience:

Psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, medical officers, and frontline clinicians in high-demand settings.

speakers:

Overview:

This workshop examines the complex process of evaluating mental capacity across different life stages. The workshop will cover pertinent issues from children and adolescents navigating autonomy and consent, to adults facing complex decisions, and elderly individuals dealing with cognitive decline or neurodegenerative disorders.

This workshop explores the complexities of mental capacity assessment across the lifespan, from childhood to old age. We have managed to get experts in different fields. From legal competency in forensic cases to decision-making in children, hospitalised patients, and the elderly, this workshop brings together four expert psychiatrists to explore the nuances of capacity assessment in different populations. They will lead the sessions examining the legal frameworks, ethical dilemmas, and practical challenges involved in assessing capacity in diverse contexts.

Participants will engage with real-life case discussions and interactive panels designed to deepen understanding and enhance practical skills in navigating capacity assessments across clinical, legal, and developmental domains.

Why It Matters:

Mental capacity is not static; it varies over time, across different contexts, and with the complexity of decisions. For psychiatrists, understanding and assessing capacity is a crucial part of clinical care. We must respect and safeguard autonomy while providing support that enables informed decision-making. With Malaysia’s ageing population, rising youth mental health needs, and increasing legal demands, capacity assessments have never been more relevant.

Key Highlights:

• Developmental considerations in assessing capacity in children and adolescents, e.g., assent vs consent, legal vs functional capacity
• Adult mental health contexts, including severe mental illness, substance use, or fluctuating insight
• Elderly care, particularly in cases of dementia, delirium, and frailty, where testamentary capacity, healthcare decisions, or guardianship may be involved
• Practical tools, structured interviews, and documentation strategies
• Ethical dilemmas and medico-legal implications

Workshop Details:

Target Audience:

Psychiatrists, trainees, psychologists, social workers, and legal-psychiatric liaisons.

Key takeaways:

Enhance your understanding of mental capacity in diverse contexts with real-world applicability in civil, medical, and legal settings.

speakers:

Brief, Practical Strategies for High-Demand Settings

Workshop Abstract:

Self-harm and suicidality are growing clinical challenges, often presenting abruptly in outpatient settings with limited time and resources, including competent clinicians. This interactive workshop is designed to equip mental health professionals with important skills to manage these high-risk presentations more confidently.

The session starts with a case vignette, setting the platform for the practical application of skills in the workshop. Participants will then be guided in conducting a focused suicide inquiry, tailored for busy clinical environments. Emphasis will be placed on identifying key risk factors, understanding intent, and developing brief, evidence-informed, person-centred, and feasible crisis interventions and safety plans within time constraints.

This is followed by “Suicide and Self-Harm Through the Systemic Lens,” which broadens the perspective beyond the individual, exploring how family dynamics, social context, and systemic barriers contribute to distress. Participants will learn how to apply systemic thinking in their formulation and interventions.

The workshop concludes with an often-overlooked topic: Postvention for Professionals. This segment addresses the emotional toll and trauma experienced by clinicians managing suicide crises. Strategies for debriefing, self-care, and organisational support will be discussed to promote resilience.

With a combination of case-based learning, experiential exercises, and reflective discussions, this workshop aims to strengthen clinical competence and readiness in surviving the storm of suicidality with clarity and safety.

Workshop Details:

Target Audience:

Psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, medical officers, and frontline clinicians in high-demand settings.

speakers: