Bioethics and resource allocation in the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

This work evaluates, from the perspective of Bioethics, the structural, institutional and emotional impact of the allocation of scarce resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, a disease that emerged at the end of 2019 and has become one of the greatest challenges of society. The analysis of the selected articles indicates that, even after the expansion of beds in holy houses and philanthropic hospitals, demand remained higher than supply. Thus, it is necessary to restructure care with recommendation measures and protocols that prioritize health professionals and a better prognosis, with longer life after treatment, and exclude any priority by class or non-medical social influence. The adoption of these care measures and protocols optimizes treatment and maximizes resources, covering a greater number of patients and enabling the provision of treatment with fair, ethical and resolute measures. © 2021, Conselho Federal de Medicina. All rights reserved.