Search published articles


Showing 4 results for Resource Allocation
Bioethical principles and medical futility
Saeedeh Saeedi Tehrani1, Mansoureh Madani,
Volume 7, Issue 6 (3-2015)
Abstract
Medical futility refers to diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitation interventions that are unlikely to produce any positive outcome for patients. Doctors should beware of such actions due to their professional commitments. There are ambiguities in the definition of futility that have been the subject of many studies. In this paper, relevant literature was reviewed to find a definition for futility from the perspective of the four bioethical principles.Determining the futility of an action, whether it is the request of the patient, their family or service providers, is a highly sensitive matter that can lead to unethical decisions in the medical profession.Autonomy is a concept that is related to the diverse views on treatment objectives. In this paper we investigated the issues of physician and patient autonomy, and the differences between the values of the people involved. We have also discussed the concept of palliative care with an attempt to clarify the difference between this type of care and futile care, and to determine the boundaries. Another focus of our study was situations where physicians and other health care providers deliver futile treatment for various purposes. Such cases involve factors that may influence the judgment of physicians, and some of them are unethical due to incentives such as financial gain.Finally, ethical decision-making in this area is only possible through clarification of the different aspects of the issue and prioritization by experts and professionals. In order to do so, all circumstances need to be taken into account, including allocation of scarce resources within the health care system and fairness. Moreover, medical staff should have access to the necessary information so that they can make ethical decisions in different situations.
Challenges of Human Resource Allocation in the Health System
Kourosh Delpasand,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
All health systems face the dual challenge of resource shortages, which prevent them from providing all the services needed by society, while also striving to enhance justice in access to health services and care. The prioritization and allocation of resources are critical issues in the health sector, and ensuring fairness in these processes requires consideration of various criteria. This study aims to examine the methods of allocating human resources in the health sector and explain the challenges associated with allocating skilled human resources in the country. This qualitative study involved faculty members and individuals with a history of responsibility in the university. Data collection was conducted through interviews, which were arranged based on mutual agreement with participants. Interviews continued until saturation was reached, meaning they concluded when participants had no further information to provide and the interviewer had no additional questions aligned with the research objectives. The findings were categorized as follows:
  • Prioritization Issues: The prioritization of resources is often directed towards newly established departments and hospitals, and personnel are allocated to new branches to launch new fields. The definition of processes important to the Ministry of Health is based on specific provincial conditions, which may not be included in standard lists. Prioritization should, therefore, be determined based on relevant indicators and the performance of personnel.
  • Organizational Challenges: Organizational charts are outdated, and organizational structures are often unresponsive. Recruitment is based on obsolete charts, and there are discrepancies between created positions and the personnel recruited to fill them. Political influences, such as deception and hypocrisy, also complicate the allocation process.
Population Considerations: The floating population of each province must be considered in resource allocation. The periodic involvement of some individuals as companions and contract personnel in advisory roles alongside university presidents poses challenges. A gradual approach with well-defined management and realistic goals should be implemented over a five-year period.
  • Management and Decision-Making: Human resource managers in universities lack decision-making authority. A national team of managers, specialists, and experts should be formed to address human resources needs. Human resources should be identified based on the estimated needs of existing fields. It is also essential to establish efficiency measurement frameworks grounded in relationships, but the Ministry of Health lacks specific notifications regarding these matters. Efficiency should be measured based on personnel performance and appropriately defined indicators.
  • Emerging Challenges: The migration of specialists in various fields, combined with reluctance among doctors to pursue specialist-level studies in areas such as emergency medicine and pediatrics, further exacerbates human resource allocation challenges. Adding specialist experts and evaluating personnel before hiring are essential measures to address this issue. Additionally, consideration should be given to restructuring the Ministry of Health by dividing it into separate sub-units with distinct financial and management mechanisms.
This study identifies and extracts the criteria used for prioritizing and allocating resources within the health system. According to experts and policymakers in health and medical organizations, additional criteria should be considered beyond traditional metrics when prioritizing and allocating human resources.

Ethical Considerations in Healthcare Policy-Making and National Planning: A Qualitative Study
Peyman Parvizrad,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Healthcare policy-making and national planning are complex processes that require the integration of ethical principles to ensure fairness, effectiveness, and public trust. This qualitative study explores the key ethical considerations that should guide the development and implementation of healthcare policies and plans. A qualitative research design was utilized, incorporating semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and patient representatives. A total of 15 interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Thematic analysis identified seven key ethical considerations in healthcare policy-making and planning: (1) Equity and Justice – ensuring equitable access to healthcare regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or other demographic factors; (2) Autonomy and Informed Consent – respecting individual autonomy and ensuring informed decision-making in healthcare interventions; (3) Beneficence – prioritizing actions that maximize benefits and minimize harm; (4) Non-Maleficence – preventing harm to patients and communities; (5) Confidentiality and Privacy – safeguarding patient information and ensuring data protection; (6) Resource Allocation – making fair and justifiable decisions regarding the distribution of limited healthcare resources; and (7) Transparency and Accountability – promoting openness in policy decisions and ensuring accountability for outcomes. Ethical considerations play a critical role in shaping healthcare policies and national planning efforts. By integrating ethical principles into decision-making, policymakers and healthcare providers can foster policies that enhance public well-being, equity, and trust in the healthcare system. A structured ethical framework can help ensure that healthcare policies align with societal values and promote justice in health service delivery.

Nurse's Ethical Challenges During Global Crises: War and Beyond
Fatemeh Roudi, Hedayat Jafari, Mohammadreza Jalilfar, Seyed Mohammad Mirshafiei, Seyed Tohid Hoseini, Soodabeh Eslami,
Volume 17, Issue 0 (12-2024)
Abstract
Nurses are critical healthcare providers during global crises, particularly in situations of armed conflict and war, where they face unique and often overwhelming ethical challenges. These professionals are tasked with making immediate and difficult decisions under extreme conditions. This study aims to thoroughly examine the ethical challenges encountered by nurses during global crises, with a particular focus on armed conflicts and wars. This systematic review analyzed articles sourced from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Magiran, and Google Scholar databases, using the following search terms: "nursing ethics," "war," "global crises," "ethical considerations in nursing during war," and "nursing ethics in armed conflicts." Following a thorough review and filtering process based on the study's objectives, seven articles were selected for inclusion. The findings highlight several ethical challenges faced by nurses during wartime. These challenges include: allocating limited resources under dire circumstances, providing care to both combatants and civilians without bias, maintaining patient confidentiality while cooperating with military authorities, and delivering care in hazardous and unpredictable environments. The ethical issues nurses encounter in global crises, particularly in war, include: 1) the tension between professional duty and political or military affiliations, 2) the ethical dilemma of allocating scarce resources in critical conditions, 3) the decision of which patients should be prioritized for treatment, and 4) the significant risks to life involved in providing care in conflict zones. Nursing care during global crises, especially in wartime, presents profound ethical dilemmas that demand rapid and sound decision-making. Adequate training in nursing ethics tailored to wartime conditions, as well as robust support for nurses in these high-pressure environments, are critical to addressing these challenges effectively.

Page 1 from 1     

© 2026 , Tehran University of Medical Sciences, CC BY-NC 4.0

Designed & Developed by: Yektaweb