Triage of critical care resources in COVID-19: a stronger role for justice
Lynette Reid
Abstract
Some ethicists assert that there is a consensus that maximising medical outcomes takes precedence as a principle of resource allocation in emergency triage of absolutely scarce resources. But the nature of the current severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 pandemic and the history of debate about balancing equity and efficiency in resource allocation do not support this assertion. I distinguish a number of concerns with justice and balancing considerations that should play a role in critical care triage policy, focusing on discrimination and on fundamental egalitarian and social justice concerns.
Topics & Concepts
TriageEquity (law)Resource allocationHealth care rationingAssertionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)PandemicEconomic JusticeDistributive justicePsychologyPublic relationsMedicinePolitical scienceSociologyEconomicsComputer scienceHealth careMedical emergencyLawManagementInfectious disease (medical specialty)Programming languagePathologyDiseaseDisaster Response and ManagementEthics in medical practiceEthics and Legal Issues in Pediatric Healthcare