mpg
DP Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2005
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- Milford, CT
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- Libertarian
Thanks for the info. This is something that isn't being discussed enough in the US, but it isn't what I was referring to in my earlier post when I mentioned being turned down for treatment. I was referring to the rationing of health care due to doctor shortages.There is a method of assessing the patients probable survival - although it is a little time consuming so can't be done in an emergency situation. Basically we will not admit to ICU if the APACHE III score is less than a certain number although that is a little age and circumstance dependent. I.e. a young mother would get admitted no matter how near or even beyond certainty that she would not survive because we have to give them a chance
We will admit someone sometimes for palliative care because it is the only single room available and the family want to be with the person
Compassion plays a BIG part in decision making - and that goes BOTH ways - ICU can be a messy, horrible death