The use of limited critical care resources: an ethical dilemma.
The following article consists of a review of the literature surrounding the issue of persistent vegetative state (PVS) patients and resource allocation. The author attempts to analyze the question: Should limited critical care resources be used on PVS patients at the risk of denying those resources to others? The author explores such factors as: prognosis and recovery in PVS, life expectancy, and quality of life. As well, resource availability and ICU costs involved in sustaining the life of a PVS patient are examined. Finally, principles such as non-maleficence and beneficence; as well as the critical care professionals attitudes toward this issue; and the moral, ethical, and emotional dilemmas are discussed.
Farnalls
M
M
Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta.
D000293:Adolescent; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D015276:Health Care Rationing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018447:Medical Futility; D018458:Persistent Vegetative State / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life