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.

Bledsoe, Thomas A; Jokela, Janet A; Deep, Noel N; Snyder Sulmasy, Lois · Ann Intern Med · 2020

editorial · Level V

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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.

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