Mary Wilson
Well-known member
Published: 05 November 2021
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-021-06553-5
Christian Jung, Hans Flaatten, Dylan de Lange, Michael Beil & Bertrand Guidet
Dear Editor,
The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionally affected the elderly population especially in the initial phase. During the different surges of the pandemic, some intensive care units (ICUs) were overwhelmed by a huge influx of patients. Criteria were discussed for patient admission as well as for possible limitation of care. This had to be done despite an increase in bed capacity to avoid exhaustion of resources. Evidence-based thresholds for ICU patient-to-caregiver ratios [1], above which patient safety may be endangered, were not realistic to provide during the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries.
Criteria about resource allocation should ensure fairness, enhance consistency, and decrease moral distress in providers [2]. It has been heavily debated whether chronological age or age cut-offs can serve as criterion to guide therapy decisions.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-021-06553-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-021-06553-5
Christian Jung, Hans Flaatten, Dylan de Lange, Michael Beil & Bertrand Guidet
Dear Editor,
The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionally affected the elderly population especially in the initial phase. During the different surges of the pandemic, some intensive care units (ICUs) were overwhelmed by a huge influx of patients. Criteria were discussed for patient admission as well as for possible limitation of care. This had to be done despite an increase in bed capacity to avoid exhaustion of resources. Evidence-based thresholds for ICU patient-to-caregiver ratios [1], above which patient safety may be endangered, were not realistic to provide during the COVID-19 pandemic in many countries.
Criteria about resource allocation should ensure fairness, enhance consistency, and decrease moral distress in providers [2]. It has been heavily debated whether chronological age or age cut-offs can serve as criterion to guide therapy decisions.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00134-021-06553-5