THE USE OF RISK IN DECISION-MAKING

This paper discusses the limitations which occur when risk is the pivotal consideration in clinical assessment. The evaluation of the ability to choose a place of residence is given as the illustrative example of the problems. The information usually gathered is shown to have no direct implication for a statement of risk without a valuative component. A discussion of the nature of risk shows values to be inherent in the perception of risk. The general drawbacks of allowing the outcome to hinge on risk are: (1) the likelihoods are not known; and (2) the value-laden issues remain hidden.