According to Ezekiel J. Emanuel et al., because maximizing benefits is paramount in a pandemic, removing a patient from a ventilator or an ICU bed to provide it to others in need is justifiable and patients should be made aware of this possibility at admission.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ezekiel J. Emanuel and his colleagues argue that during a pandemic, when resources are scarce, the principle of maximizing benefits becomes crucial. This means that healthcare decisions, including the reallocation of ventilators or ICU beds from one patient to another who is more likely to benefit, are justifiable to save more lives. They advocate for transparency about these potential decisions at the time of patient admission.