RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Ethical Issues in Radioisotope Shortages: Rationing and Priority Setting
JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
JO J. Nucl. Med. Technol.
FD Society of Nuclear Medicine
SP 117
OP 120
DO 10.2967/jnmt.110.081117
VO 38
IS 3
A1 M. Sara Rosenthal
YR 2010
UL http://tech.snmjournals.org/content/38/3/117.abstract
AB In recent years, shortages of radioisotopes that cannot be stockpiled have created a scenario in which they may be considered, periodically, a scarce medical resource. This discussion focuses on the just allocation of medical radioisotopes and presents the dominant ethical frameworks for rationing and priority setting in the patient populations most affected. Priority setting is necessary when demand for a scarce resource exceeds supply. On completion of this article, the reader will be able to describe the origins of rationing and priority setting in medicine, as well as ethically sound frameworks for rationing. Finally, the process for priority setting and the need for transparency of this process in the nuclear medicine setting are outlined.