Pandemic ICU triage challenge and medical ethics
Sabine Netters, Nick Dekker, Koos van de Wetering, Annie J. Hasker, Dian Paasman, Jan Willem de Groot, Kris Vissers
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made unprecedented global demands on healthcare in general and especially the intensive care unit (ICU). the virus is spreading out of control. To this day, there is no clear, published directive for doctors regarding the allocation of ICU beds in times of scarcity. This means that many doctors do not feel supported by their government and are afraid of the medicolegal consequences of the choices they have to make. Consequently, there has been no transparent discussion among professionals and the public. The thought of being at the mercy of absolute arbitrariness leads to fear among the population, especially the vulnerable groups.