Which factors should be included in triage? An online survey of the attitudes of the UK general public to pandemic triage dilemmas.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

As cases of COVID-19 infections surge, concerns have renewed about intensive care units (ICUs) being overwhelmed and the need for specific triage protocols over winter. This study aimed to help inform triage guidance by exploring the views of lay people about factors to include in triage decisions.

Design, setting and participants

Online survey between 29th of May and 22nd of June 2020 based on hypothetical triage dilemmas. Participants recruited from existing market research panels, representative of the UK general population. Scenarios were presented in which a single ventilator is available, and two patients require ICU admission and ventilation. Patients differed in one of: chance of survival, life expectancy, age, expected length of treatment, disability and d

SUBMITTER: Wilkinson D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7725087 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature