Triage Protocols - A Matter of Human Rights
Disability or older age should not be a barrier to receiving effective healthcare. In Canada, the rights of people with disabilities and older persons are protected by human rights law which means that they cannot be denied or offered lesser quality healthcare.
Disability discrimination, ageism and bias or the attendant aspects of a disability or older age (e.g. care, accommodation, financial support) should never be factors in determining whether an individual should or should not receive a lifesaving medical treatment.
The most effective means of achieving equal access to healthcare for persons with disabilities and older persons is to ensure that there are clear triage protocols, that identification of priorities and resource allocation is based on results-oriented consultation, and that there is engagement with people with disabilities and older persons, as well as their families, caregivers, and community advocates.
The Human Rights Triage Protocol Coalition came together to develop recommendations to support policy-makers in the development and implementation of human rights informed triage policies, protocols, directives, priority-setting and resource rationing and allocation in relation to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Disability discrimination, ageism and bias or the attendant aspects of a disability or older age (e.g. care, accommodation, financial support) should never be factors in determining whether an individual should or should not receive a lifesaving medical treatment.
The most effective means of achieving equal access to healthcare for persons with disabilities and older persons is to ensure that there are clear triage protocols, that identification of priorities and resource allocation is based on results-oriented consultation, and that there is engagement with people with disabilities and older persons, as well as their families, caregivers, and community advocates.
The Human Rights Triage Protocol Coalition came together to develop recommendations to support policy-makers in the development and implementation of human rights informed triage policies, protocols, directives, priority-setting and resource rationing and allocation in relation to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
For the Human Rights at issue, download the full Statement of Guiding Principles and Recommendations here (pdf).
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The 17 Recommendations
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