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Psychopharmacology and the Ethics of Resource Allocation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Anna Zajdler
Affiliation:
Health Policy Unit, Royal Holloway and Bedford New College/St Mary's Hospital Medical School, University of London

Extract

Economists in the UK have developed a particular view of ethical choice which puts the main focus on short-term, static decisions. As resources are scarce, decisions have to compete (O'Donnell et al, 1988). Although economists have also stressed the moral imperative of improving efficiency, the theme of choice as inexorable has come through much more strongly. Economists in the UK have been more hesitant about giving any clear advice on how to deal with the special problems of supply efficiencies and professional monopoly in health services.

Type
Comment
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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