Ethics and Allocating Health Care Resources

Question 1

Resource allocation decisions can occur at two levels, what are they?

Answer 1

1. Macro level (strategic / societal level)

2. Micro level (clinical level)

Question 2

What is the “Fair Innings Argument” with respect with Resource Allocation to the elderly population?

Answer 2

Older people have had a full life, whereas younger people haven’t, therefore it is fairer to treat those who have not had a full life.

Question 3

The Equality Act 2010 offers protection to what nine characteristics?

Answer 3

Age
Race
Sex
Gender reassignment status
Disability
Religion or belief
Sexual orientation
Marriage and civil partnership status
Pregnancy and maternity

Question 4

What is Direct Age Discrimination?

Answer 4

When a direct difference in treatment based on age cannot be justified

Question 5

What is Indirect Age Discrimination?

Answer 5

A seemingly neutral provision, measure or practice has harmful repercussions on a person

Question 6

Define “QALY”

Answer 6

A utility value (between 0-1) to a state of health and then multiplying that value by the number of years expected to be lived in that state

Question 7

What are two objections to QALY-based assessments?

Answer 7

1. Difficulties relating to measurement and bias
2. Some object QALY-based assessments are unjust
   - Double jeopardy objection
   - End of life care might miss out