title: [Rationalization and rationing at the bedside. A normative and empirical status quo analysis].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The topic of bedside rationing is increasingly discussed in Germany. Further need for clarification exists for the question how bedside rationing (e.g., in the area of overcare) can be justified despite coexistent inefficiencies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper outlines and analyses the relationship of waste avoidance and rationing from an ethical perspective. Empirical findings regarding the status quo of bedside rationing and rationalization are presented. These normative and empirical explorations will then be further specified regarding opportunities for future physician-driven activities to tackle overuse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The self-government partners in Germany should communicate more explicitly within their communities and to the public how and with which benchmarks they aim to reduce inefficient health care (overuse) in an appropriate manner. Physician-driven activities such as the "Choosing Wisely®" initiative in the USA could provide a first step to raise the awareness for overuse among physicians as well as in the public.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Geschichte, Ethik und Philosophie der Medizin, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH), Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Deutschland, strech.daniel@mh-hannover.de.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Strech
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019985:Benchmarking; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019348:Empiricism; D005858:Germany; D015276:Health Care Rationing / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011908:Rationalization; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures / Q000941:ethics*