The state of Oregon has developed a unique method to set priorities for health services. The method is based on a cost-utility formula but also incorporates public attitudes and values. Using an explicit process, the Oregon ...

Medical practitioners often feel obligated to use all available procedures to sustain patients' lives. A review of case law indicates, however, that practitioners who abate treatment that is contrary to people's known ...

The authors propose a mathematical model for deciding appropriate use of life-sustaining care, using as an example out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation for chronically ill older persons. Incorporating determinations of ...