Resource Allocation
Decision Making Around Resources
Resource allocation uses ethical approaches that try to balance how best to use what we have in a way that results in the most good and least amount of harm.
Consideration 1
Resource allocation is complicated when resources are limited and demand exceeds supply.
Consideration 3
There will always be trade-offs in allocating resources, transparency and rationale for decision making is essential in preserving trust.
Consideration 2
Fairness ensures that one group or individual is not disadvantaged over another
Consideration 4
Policy and frameworks ought to be accessible and adaptable.
When resources are limited due to supply shortage, funding, lack of staff or during times of crises such as pandemics, war or natural disasters, health care professionals are responsible for finding a way to provide care fairly and equitably. This requires difficult decisions and ethical considerations. Having an ethical foundation can assist in understanding resource allocation, especially during times when resources are scarce. This can also assist in enhanced objectivity when making decisions, reduce conflicts of interest, and decrease the incidence of moral distress in health care providers.
Distributive justice is an ethical principle that can be implemented to assist with resource allocation.
The four types of distributive justice are:
Health care decisions are made based on what increases the total health of the population as a whole. Example: Services that improve the health of a large group of patients will be priority – treatments and funding for rare diseases are not a priority.
Ethical principles and values can guide and support resource allocation frameworks. Some examples of these are:
Making adjustments to imbalances so that care is in accordance with need. Example: Publicly funded health care means everyone can access health care for free, whether they need to access a lot of care or minimal care, such as someone who needs dialysis vs. someone who needs stitches.