COVID-19—classified as a pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020—is expected to put tremendous strain on many healthcare systems. Early epidemiological analyses show that compared to the seasonal flu, COVID-19 patients may require ventilation much more frequently [ 1 ]. This can lead to a shortage of ventilators and intensive care resources, resulting in limited medical care and death [ 2 ]. Whereas some countries have been exposed very early [ 3 ], others had the opportunity to prepare for the ethical challenges that emerge when intensive care resources become scarce.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Joebges et al. (2020) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: