The COVID-19 pandemic created resource issues from its beginning, including PPE, respirators, human resources, vaccines in the early stages of distribution, and hospital beds.
Deam, J. (2021, Sep. 15) A boy went to a COVID-swamped ER. He waited for hours. Then his appendix burst. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/a-boy-went-to-a-covid-swamped-er-he-waited-for-hours-then-his-appendix-burst
After reading through the article above, the background readings, and doing additional research, discuss the ethical issues that must be considered when dealing with shortages. Be sure to address this as a healthcare professional; it is not meant to be a political debate. Be sure to identify specific ethical principles.
300 words maximum
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Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic has created numerous resource issues, including shortages of necessary medical supplies, human resources, and hospital beds. The article “A boy went to a COVID-swamped ER. He waited for hours. Then his appendix burst” highlights the ethical issues that arise from these shortages. As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to consider the ethical principles that guide our decision-making and actions during these resource-deprived times.
Answer:
The ethical issues that arise from shortages in healthcare resources are numerous and complex. One of the primary issues is the allocation of scarce resources. When resources are limited, healthcare professionals must determine how to divide them in a fair and equitable manner, considering both the needs of individual patients and the broader societal implications of their actions. This is a fundamental ethical principle known as distributive justice.
Another ethical issue that arises from shortages is the triage of patients. When resources, such as hospital beds, are limited, healthcare professionals are forced to make difficult decisions about which patients to treat first and which to prioritize. This can create significant ethical dilemmas, particularly if patients with more severe illnesses or injuries are overlooked in favor of those who are perceived to have a better chance of recovery.
Moreover, healthcare professionals must also ensure that they are acting in the best interests of their patients, even when resources are scarce. This requires a commitment to the ethical principle of patient autonomy, which emphasizes the right of patients to make their own healthcare decisions. In resource-deprived situations, this becomes particularly challenging, as healthcare professionals may have to make decisions on behalf of their patients to ensure that they receive the care they need.
In conclusion, when shortages of healthcare resources occur, healthcare professionals must navigate a complex set of ethical issues. Distributive justice, patient autonomy, and the triage of patients are all essential ethical principles that must be taken into account when making decisions in these challenging circumstances. It is essential that healthcare professionals remain committed to these principles to ensure that they are acting in the best interests of their patients, even in the face of significant resource shortages.
