Week 2: Rationing transplants and Blood donation

Question 1

What is a market?

Answer 1

A market is a means by which the exchange of goods and services takes place as a result of buyers and sellers being in contact with one another, either directly or through mediating agents or institutions.

Question 2

How are markets regulated?

Answer 2

Regulated by Explicit and Implicit rules

Question 3

What is altruism?

Answer 3

Regard for others as a principle of action. You may care for another as a fellow human, and also because of expected reciprocity if you are in need.

Question 4

What is the basis of donor schemes for blood and organs?

Answer 4

Altruism

Question 5

What rare blood groups are crucial?

Answer 5

O negative and certain blood groups found in asian and black ethnic communities

Question 6

What are the risks of transfusion?

Answer 6

Wrong blood group given to patients and infections

Question 7

How is blood supplied in the UK?

Answer 7

Voluntary system of giving

Question 8

What is the case that Richard Titmuss argued as an ethical case against the purchase and sale of blood?

Answer 8

Represses altruism
Erodes the sense of community
Sanctions “profits” in hospitals and clinics and subjects medicine to market place rules
Increases blood supply from poor, unskilled and unemployed

Question 9

What are the reasons put forward by cooper and culyer about the case for a market of blood?

Answer 9

Supply can be increased by removing obstacles

offering financial awards

Question 10

What are the alternatives to kidney transplant?

Answer 10

Mechanical maintenance for kidneys
. Hospital and Home hemodialysis
. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)