Bedside Treatment Decisions: An Evaluation of the Factors Physicians Take into Consideration When Making Complex Rationing Decisions

Abstract

Background: The budget limitations that are imposed on health care providers often force caregivers to become rationers, and physicians are required to select which patients receive treatments and which go without on a daily basis. This involves making highly complex decisions, and physicians are required to evaluate both relevant and irrelevant parameters to ensure the final decision is sound. Objective: This research examined which of seven parameters physicians used to make rational decisions as to which of a group of five patients in need received treatment. Method: An experiment was conducted in which the decision relevance of objective parameters and additional information about the needy, such as gender or smoking habits, were investigated. Results and conclusion: The findings indicated that physicians focus on central disease-related criteria very well and, thus, arrive at a comprehensive rationing decision, even in complex situations.