The SHARE-HRS Decision Making Model of Scarce Health Resource Allocation in Humanitarian Response Settings: Thematic...

The aim of this research is to explore the experience of allocating scarce health resources in humanitarian response settings, specifically in relation to decision-making.

This research utilized an exploratory qualitative design. Participants were identified as clinicians with relevant first-hand experiences with scarce health resource allocation in humanitarian response settings. Participants were purposively recruited to include the broadest perspectives possible. Semi-structured interviews were hosted remotely. Transcripts capturing participant narratives were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to allow themes to emerge.

Seventeen participants were recruited and interviewed as part of the Scarce Health Resource Allocation in Humanitarian Response Settings (SHARE-HRS) project. Inductive thematic analysis related to decision making revealed 5 key themes: devices; priorities; ideals; context-specific decision making; and weight of decision making. These themes informed the development of the SHARE-HRS Decision Making Model.

While health resource allocation decision-making is not unique to humanitarian settings, there are unique situational challenges faced by humanitarian health care workers. The SHARE-HRS Decision Making Model provides a new insight into how these challenges may be addressed or impact decision-making, and thus offers a structure and common nomenclature for future humanitarian health response operations and research.