Ethical Research in Delirium: Arguments for Including Decisionally Incapacitated Subjects

This article describes a study in which important findings were obtained in a delirium study by using an informal assessment of mental capacity, and, in those who lacked capacity, obtaining consent later when or if capacity returned or a proxy was found. From the results of this study, the authors suggest that this approach to the study of delirium is more ethical than the usual system of strict exclusion of people who lack capacity to give consent and for whom assent is not available.