Rationing Intensive Care

Abstract

To the Editor: In their article in the November 10 issue Singer and his associates* present convincing data that physicians can respond to resource limitations by using intensive-care-unit (ICU) resources more efficiently. However, there is one area in which their data are unclear. To demonstrate that no difference in severe medical consequences occurred when the number of low-risk patients was reduced and ICU stays were shortened, the authors state, "Mortality both during and after ICU stay was constant at 10 per cent and 5 per cent, respectively, in both years." Since 20 per cent fewer patients were admitted in 1981 . . .