Incorporating ethics in priority setting: a case study of a regional health board in Canada

The authors were involved in developing an ethical framework to assist the Queens Region Board (Prince Edward Island, Canada) set priorities in health and health care. Two and one half years after the adoption of this framework, the authors undertook an evaluation of the framework. This paper will discuss: (a) the historical background of regionalization in Canada, and in particular the circumstances leading up to the institution of regional boards in Prince Edward Island; (b) the sorts of ethical issues facing the Queens Regional Board; (c) issues arising in connection with the use and development of ethics frameworks for managing ethical issues in priority setting; (d) the framework adopted by the Queens Board and the process that led to its development; (e) issues arising as concerns implementation of the framework; (f) questions and issues pertinent to other boards and bodies considering similar initiatives.