Ensuring Fairness in Healthcare: A Critical Analysis of Cost-Effectiveness

In the pursuit of maximizing population health, the allocation of healthcare resources has been guided by cost-effectiveness methods. However, these methods have been criticized for being fundamentally unfair. In his book, How Health Care Can Be Cost-Effective and Fair, author Daniel M. Hausman delves into the ethical critique of cost-effectiveness and responds to concerns about its unfairness.

The Unfairness of Cost-Effectiveness: A Closer Look

Several commentators argue that using cost-effectiveness to guide healthcare distribution is unfair, as it neglects the severity of illness and fails to provide equal opportunities to disadvantaged populations, including people with disabilities and those from historically underprivileged backgrounds. Hausman acknowledges the complexity and shortcomings of cost-effective reasoning but maintains that it should remain a leading principle in healthcare resource allocation.

A Multifaceted Approach to Healthcare

In addition to promoting well-being and treating individuals fairly, Hausman believes that healthcare should be guided by a range of values, including compassion, freedom, respect, and solidarity. By respecting individuals’ values and choices, healthcare can promote population health fairly and effectively.

Hausman’s work highlights the importance of considering fairness and equity in healthcare resource allocation. By acknowledging the limitations of cost-effectiveness and incorporating multiple values, healthcare systems can strive towards a more just and equitable distribution of resources.

How Health Care Can Be Cost-Effective and Fair provides a nuanced exploration of the complex issues surrounding healthcare allocation. Published by Oxford University Press in January 2023, this book is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in promoting fair and effective healthcare systems.