Cost-effectiveness analysis of health care services, and concepts of distributive justice.
Two answers to the question 'how can we allocate health care resources fairly?' are introduced and discussed. Both utilitarian and egalitarian approaches are found relevant, but both exhibit considerable theoretical and practical difficulties. Neither seems capable of solving the problem on its own. It is suggested that, for practical purposes, a version of Rawls' famous thought experiment might provide at least some enlightenment about which theoretical approach should be used to address the question.
Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
G J
GJ
van der Wilt
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D028663:Ethical Theory; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D015276:Health Care Rationing / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards*; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009014:Morals; D009426:Netherlands; D040841:Resource Allocation; D012935:Social Justice / Q000592:standards*; D012945:Social Values