Intensive care units (ICUs) are not always able to admit all patients who would benefit from intensive care. Pressure on ICU beds is likely to be particularly high during times of epidemics such as might arise in the case of swine influenza. In making choices as to which patients to admit, the...

The evidence-based patient choice (EBPC) approach is one of a number of newly emerging templates for medical encounters that advocate evidence-informed choice and shared decision-making. These models emphasise respect for patient preferences for involvement in health care decisions and advocate...