Survey Summary
1. Should our goal in rationing resources during pandemic simply be to protect the most people from the flu? Or should we try to make sure that those who provide us with critical services are protected first? Why?
70% = critical services4% = other
26% = protect most people
Do a lottery or randomly provide to a cross-section of the total population.
Persons who provide for us should be protected first.
Rationing resources to first protect those who provide "critical" services will lead to an inequitable rationing system. Such a system is more susceptible to corruption. How do you define "critical" services? There is a reasonable argument for almost every profession
2. The aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita remind us that underserved populations often suffer more than other groups during public health emergencies. What should public health officials do to make sure that these groups are treated fairly during pandemic?
This was an opinion question only.
Public officials should have government programs and policies in place before an emergency.
During a UMN political science class, we heard actual recordings from survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The fact that these people were kept in the dark and scared was appalling. Everyone should be aware of what care they will receive and how long it may be before they receive care.
Free Clinics open for everyone that needs care, supported by federal funding.
Make dedicated resources and emergency kits available 24/7.
3. Should children get higher priority in access to care than adults? How about younger adults compared to older adults? In other words, should age matter in how we allocate care? Why?
38% = children6% = adults
48% = age shouldn't matter
11% = children and elderly
5% = other
Yes, children are the future and protecting them means protecting the future.
Following care for first responders, persons 15 - 30 years old should be given priority (based on this age group being the most vulnerable in the 1918 experience), and this age group is most productive after resolution of a pandemic.
Adults need to be vaccinated so they can care for children.
Children should have priority over those in the teens and mid-twenties, only because they haven't grasped common hygiene habits. Older adults should be next because their immune systems are not as strong. However a young adult with a weaker immune system should be given higher status.
Prioritize by the most vulnerable individuals. Those with chronic illness, compromised immunes systems, children, elderly, and caregivers should receive first priority.