New ethics case study examines resource allocation during a pandemic
The case study examines how the current pandemic has demonstrated the need for ethical allocation of critical resources, such as ventilators.
A new ethics case study, “Pandemic Treatment Resource Allocation Ethics and Nondiscrimination,” is now available for CME/MOC credit. The case study examines how the current pandemic has demonstrated the need for ethical allocation of critical resources, such as ventilators.
The case study asserts that in times of public health emergency or health system catastrophe, the health and welfare of individual patients remain the physician's responsibility, but the well-being of the community as a whole must also be taken into consideration. Further, health systems must establish institutional policies on resource allocation that are informed by ethical principles and must not discriminate against classes or categories of patients in determining medical interventions.
Developed by ACP's Ethics, Professionalism, and Human Rights Committee and the Center for Ethics and Professionalism, the case study is available on Medscape and a login is required. To learn more about ethics and professionalism activities at ACP, visit the Ethics page on ACPOnline. .