Bioethicists and priority of health resources in the Brazilian public health system

Abstract

The aim was to know and to analyze the criteria raised by bioethicists about setting priorities for the Brazilian health system in view of resources shortage. A qualitative exploratory study through semi-structured interviews with 21 bioethics college professors, directors and former directors of
the Sociedade Brasileira de Bioética (Brazilian Society of Bioethics) and regional administrations, in the period of July 2007 – February 2009. The major part of the discourses noted the importance of limiting resources in a shortage situation and was opposed to the use of resources toward
actions that fit into the medicine of desire concept. In addition, they show a conflicting positioning, sometimes equity-oriented, prioritizing the most unprotected individuals, and sometimes oriented by the maximization of benefits. The conclusion shows the existence of a moral pluralism that makes it difficult to decide about what would be a fair health system, making necessary an exhausting dialogue in order to achieve possible consensus.