Justice in the Distribution of Health Care Resources

This study compared physical therapists from the United States and from Sweden regarding the interpretations of justice they judged as the most appropriate for distribution of health care resources. A two-part questionnaire was used. Results showed that Swedish therapists were more consistent in their responses than United States therapists, and that they favored a "needs-based" approach over a "utilitarian," "contract," or "skeletal" approach. The impact of the responses upon the physical therapists' involvement in the formulation of this type of health policy is discussed.