Resource allocation

Question 1

How have rationing needs changed?

Answer 1

• More chronic illness than before
• Normal physiological events have been medicalised - pregnancy and labour, death, etc.
• Increase in patient choice and expensive drugs

Question 2

What is the egalitarian theory of resource allocation

Answer 2

Provide all care that is necessary and appropriate

Question 3

Critiques of egalitarian theory

Answer 3

Difficult to provide both egalitarian aim due to finite resources

Question 4

What is the maximising theory of resource allocation

Answer 4

Public utility should be maximised (cost-benefit analysis)

Question 5

Critiques of the maximising theory

Answer 5

Some treatment is highly effective, but inefficient use of money

Question 6

What is the libertarian theory of resource allocation

Answer 6

Individuals are responsible for their own health, well being and fulfilment of their life plan

Question 7

Critique of the libertarian theory

Answer 7

Many people do not have the resources to do so

Question 8

What is the rule of rescue?

Answer 8

Ethical principle, whereby if someone presents in a life threatening situation then measures will be taken to save their life, even if the money/ resources would be better used elsewhere

There is ‘A perceived duty’