Pandemic influenza: The ethics of scarce resource allocation and the need for a hospital Scarce Resource Allocation Committee

Authors

  • Sandro K. Cinti, MD
  • Andrew R. Barnosky, DO, MPH
  • Steven E. Gay, MD
  • Susan Dorr Goold, MD
  • Marie Lozon, MD
  • Kristin Kim, MD
  • Phil Rodgers, MD
  • Nancy M. Baum, PhD
  • Thomas J. Blessing, JD
  • Bruce Cadwallender, MS, CSP, CPSM
  • Paul Loik, RRT
  • Carrie Wright, MS
  • Robert A. Winfield, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2010.0024

Keywords:

pandemic, influenza, scarce resources, ventilators

Abstract

In the event of a virulent influenza pandemic, certain resources including ventilators, antibiotics, vaccines, oxygen, hospital beds, and antiviral medications will need to be carefully allocated. It is essential that scarce resources are allocated in an ethical manner taking into account the patient’s individual right to competent care and a population’s right to the fair distribution of potentially life-saving treatments. This article summarizes the ethical basis for distributing scarce resources and the rationale for establishing a hospital-based Scarce Resource Allocation Committee, a system of multiple triage officers, and a Clinical Review Committee.

Author Biographies

Sandro K. Cinti, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System; Department of Internal Medicine, Veteran’s Affairs Ann Arbor Health System.

Andrew R. Barnosky, DO, MPH

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Health System.

Steven E. Gay, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System.

Susan Dorr Goold, MD

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Marie Lozon, MD

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Kristin Kim, MD

Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Phil Rodgers, MD

Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Nancy M. Baum, PhD

Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Thomas J. Blessing, JD

Office of the Vice President and General Counsel, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Bruce Cadwallender, MS, CSP, CPSM

Safety Management Services, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Paul Loik, RRT

Respiratory Care, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Carrie Wright, MS

Safety Management Services, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Robert A. Winfield, MD

Director, University Health Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

References

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Published

07/01/2010

How to Cite

Cinti, MD, S. K., A. R. Barnosky, DO, MPH, S. E. Gay, MD, S. D. Goold, MD, M. Lozon, MD, K. Kim, MD, P. Rodgers, MD, N. M. Baum, PhD, T. J. Blessing, JD, B. Cadwallender, MS, CSP, CPSM, P. Loik, RRT, C. Wright, MS, and R. A. Winfield, MD. “Pandemic Influenza: The Ethics of Scarce Resource Allocation and the Need for a Hospital Scarce Resource Allocation Committee”. Journal of Emergency Management, vol. 8, no. 4, July 2010, pp. 37-44, doi:10.5055/jem.2010.0024.

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 4 (2010): July/August

Section

Articles

License

Copyright 2007-2023, Weston Medical Publishing, LLC and Journal of Emergency Management. All Rights Reserved

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