Universal Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders, Social Worth, and Life-Years: Opposing Discriminatory Approaches to the Allocation of Resources During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Health System Catastrophes
Thomas A. Bledsoe, Janet A. Jokela, Noel N. Deep, Lois Snyder Sulmasy
Abstract
These authors share thoughts about discriminatory approaches to the allocation of resources during health care catastrophes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. They argue that, although prioritization of resources is critical, fairness requires giving each patient his or her due based on clinical criteria applied to the individual rather than assumptions that favor or disfavor groups.
Topics & Concepts
MedicinePandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakDo Not Resuscitate OrderResource allocationIntensive care medicineActuarial scienceVirologyDiseaseEconomicsPathologyMarket economyOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)Disaster Response and ManagementHealthcare Policy and ManagementGeriatric Care and Nursing Homes