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

Ann Intern Med. 2020 Aug 4;173(3):230-232. doi: 10.7326/M20-1862. Epub 2020 Apr 24.

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.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics / ethics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Resource Allocation / ethics*
  • Resuscitation Orders*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Social Desirability*
  • Triage / ethics