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Age remains a classification criterion if intensive care beds for crown patients are in short supply; however, the age criterion is specified more precisely. The Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMS) has adapted the relevant guidelines. SAMS Vice President Daniel Scheidegger explains the changes to the “Rundschau”.
SRF: You have specified the controversial age limits of 75 and 85 years. How exactly?
Daniel Scheidegger: One point of criticism was that with the age limit of over 85 we would exclude from intensive medical treatment perfectly fit people who could still climb mountains at this age. We’ve made it more accurate by looking at how independent these people are in everyday life. You can measure that with an index. We have added this index to the age limits. And if someone remains completely independent and lives alone, age does not matter.
If someone remains completely independent and lives alone, age does not matter.
Did you react to criticism and clarify it?
Yes. There are other points that we have clarified. The guidelines were drafted in a very short time in March. Today’s guidelines won’t be perfect either. You always learn.
You have now specified these age limits. But you are sticking to the age limits. How is that?
Because age simply plays a crucial role in medicine. With everything and everyone. As someone ages, certain treatments are simply no longer helpful. With everything that has happened in the last seven months, we now simply know that people of a certain age are almost unable to survive this viral pneumonia. And that is why intensive medical treatment is a therapy that should not be used. And it’s not just about survival. But also about “survival as” and the subsequent quality of life.
Lawyers say the age limits violate the prohibition of discrimination and, therefore, the federal constitution.
I take note of that. And if they attack me or if I have to go to court, then I go.
But again: do lawyers say age limits are discriminatory?
This is not realistic for me. Throughout my career as a doctor, age has been a very crucial point for me. Also a question for the patient. Does that still make sense at this age? Intensive care is an uncomfortable experience. If I know it will do nothing, then as a doctor I can no longer do it to a patient for ethical reasons.
If you personally have Corona and need intensive care and ventilation, would you like it?
No. It’s clear to me that I don’t want that. Everybody knows it too. No, I no longer want to go to an intensive care unit. I want to continue living as before with a good quality of life. I would not like to agree to continue living with severe damage after intensive care.
We don’t want to talk about the finiteness of all of us. But we can no longer do everything for everyone.
Health care rationing is a huge taboo subject. Should we discuss this more openly?
Absolutely. And socially. It is not supposed to be a political issue. Each and every one of us is affected. But we don’t want to talk about it. We don’t want to talk about the finiteness of all of us. But we can no longer do everything for everyone.
The interview was conducted by Georg Humbel.
