What is the hospital prioritisation principle?

The hospital prioritisation principle states that when there is a shortage of resources, such as beds or medical supplies, hospitals should give priority to patients who are most likely to benefit from the treatment. This means that patients who have a higher chance of survival or who have a more serious condition should be treated before those who have a lower chance of survival or who have a less serious condition.

The hospital prioritisation principle is based on the ethical principle of beneficence, which states that doctors should do what is best for their patients. In the context of a resource shortage, this means that doctors should allocate resources to the patients who will benefit most from them.

The hospital prioritisation principle is not always easy to apply, as there can be many different factors to consider when deciding which patients should receive treatment. However, it is an important principle that helps to ensure that the most vulnerable patients are given the best possible care.

Examples of how the hospital prioritisation principle might be applied:

* A patient who is in cardiac arrest would be given priority over a patient who has a broken arm.

* A patient who has a terminal illness would be given priority over a patient who has a chronic illness.

* A patient who is pregnant would be given priority over a patient who is not.

The hospital prioritisation principle is an important ethical principle that helps to ensure that the most vulnerable patients are given the best possible care.