Rationing Scarce Life-Saving Resource Efficiently: Lessons from the Unos

The ethical dilemma underlying the distribution of scarce life-saving medical resources (hereinafter SLMR) such as human organs is a matter of life or death. Given the inevitable fact of universal organ shortage, the issue of rationing SLMR becomes critical. While the medical technology of organ transplantation in Taiwan has advanced to an international level, the ethical consideration of rationing SLMR is falling far behind. Who and by what criteria can a patient receive the present of life among all waiting patients depends on individual surgeon's subjective decision. In general, patients in the hospital where the donated organ is procured have a guaranteed status over those patients in other hospitals despite of their survival rate. Obviously, such distribution model is neither justifying nor effectual. This study is to explore the feasibility of establishing a united organ sharing mechanism in Taiwan. In specific, I will study the American organization UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing ) in details to see its operation and performance. In addition, policy proposal for rationing SLMR will discussed.

Project ID:PG9011-0038
External Project ID:DOH90-NH-006