Allocation of critical care resources: Entitlements, responsibilities, and benefits

Abstract

Determination of allocation of limited critical care resources appears to be an inevitable development. Criteria proposed to assign such limited resources among patients are not defined. It has been argued that allocation of critical care resources could be based on the principals of patient entitlements to health care, responsibilities of the physician to the critically ill patient, and benificence. However, based on an analysis of the philosophical tenants of the Hippocratic Oath, there is little to support the concept of “sin” taxes or patient triage on the basis of judgment on the moral merit of the patient.