GEMA’S OBJECTIVE IS TO AID CLINICIANS IN THEIR DELIBERATION BY COLLECTING ALL OF THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED IN THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS.

With an aging population, health professionals are often asked to give professional opinions about patient competency, either to protect individuals with guardianship or to answer legal questions (for instance, making a will). The Multidisciplinary Competency Assessment Grid or GEMA is a tool that was developed to guide competency assessments, particularly for competency regarding personal care and property management. Using GEMA makes the competency assessment process concrete and objective. It is based on theoretical models that are recognized worldwide, including the Grisso model (2003) and the four capacities of Appelbaum and Grisso (1988).