In a utilitarian approach to resource allocation in healthcare, decisions are guided by which criterion?

• A. The greatest overall benefit to the majority
• B. Respect for autonomy
• C. Strict adherence to rules
• D. Individual patient wishes

Answer: (A)

Maximizing the overall benefit to the greatest number is the hallmark of utilitarian resource allocation. In healthcare, this means judging decisions by their consequences for the population and aiming to produce the largest net health gain across the community. It involves selecting options that yield the most total good—often measured in lives saved or quality-adjusted life years gained—even if that means some individuals don’t receive the same level of benefit as others. This approach focuses on the collective outcome rather than individual autonomy, rigid rules, or honoring each patient’s personal wishes. So, the guiding criterion is the greatest overall benefit to the majority.