Most existing triage protocols are based on a priority point system, in which a formula specifies the order in which the supply of a resource, such as a ventilator, is to be rationed for patients. A priority point system generates an identical priority ranking specifying claims on all units. Triage protocols in some states prioritize frontline health workers giving heavier weight to the ethical principle of instrumental value. Others do not, reasoning that if frontline workers obtain high enough priority, there is a risk that they obtain all units and none remain for the general community. 

In a new working paper,  Parag A. Pathak (MIT), Tayfun Sönmez (Boston College), M. Utku Unver (Boston College) and M. Bumin Yenmez (Boston College) analyze the consequences of rationing medical resources through a reserve system. In a reserve system, resources are placed into multiple categories. Priorities guiding allocation of units can reflect different ethical values between these categories. A reserve system provides additional flexibility over a priority point system because it does not dictate a single priority order for the allocation of all units. It offers a middle-ground approach that balances competing objectives, such as in the medical worker debate. This flexibility requires attention to implementation, especially the processing order of reserve categories.

Link to the paper, the slides and the webinar.

Posted by: Tommy Andersson

Lund University and Stockholm School of Economics