Abstract:
Triage and rationing of scarce intensive care unit (ICU) resources are an unavoidable necessity. In routine circumstances, ICU triage is
premised on the best interests of an individual patient; however, when increased demand exceeds capacity, as during an infectious disease
outbreak, healthcare providers need to make difficult decisions to benefit the broader community while still respecting individual interests. We
are currently living through an unprecedented period, with South Africa (SA) facing the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The
Critical Care Society of Southern Africa (CCSSA) expedited the development of a triage guidance document to inform the appropriate and fair
use of scarce ICU resources during this pandemic. Triage decision-making is based on the clinical odds of a positive ICU outcome, balanced
against the risk of mortality and longer-term morbidity affecting quality of life. Factors such as age and comorbid conditions are considered
for their potential impact on clinical outcome, but are never the sole criteria for denying ICU-level care. Arbitrary, unfair discrimination is
never condoned. The CCSSA COVID-19 triage guideline is aligned with SA law and international ethical standards, and upholds respect for
all persons. The Bill of Rights, however, does not mandate the level of care enshrined in the constitutional right to healthcare. ICU admission
is not always appropriate, available or feasible for every person suffering critical illness or injury; however, everyone has the right to receive
appropriate healthcare at another level. If ICU resources are used for people who do not stand to benefit, this effectively denies others access to
potentially life-saving healthcare. Appropriate triaging can therefore be considered a constitutional imperative.
