Table 3 Identification of the ethical concept, their related arguments and the reference’ s guideline

Equity principle and emerging ethical theories

The egalitarian approach: equity and non discrimination

10, 11, 20–31

The utilitarian approach: equity and the best use of resources

5, 30, 32–39

The relationship between the equity principle and the Ethics of care framework

21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27–31, 33, 34, 37–39

Triage criteria

Quantitative health-related triage criteria

28–30, 32, 33, 35–37, 39

Patient-related clinical judgment and ‘questionable criteria’

10, 21, 22, 24–28, 30, 31, 33, 38

Ethically unacceptable criteria and controversial application

11, 22, 24, 26, 28–30, 32, 33, 35, 39

Respecting Patient dignity

Palliative care

11, 24, 26, 28, 30, 33–37

Considering patient’s will and wishes

28, 29, 32–36

Individualized patient’s care

10, 11, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31–32, 34, 36, 38

Decision making and quality of care

Ethical aspect of communication and triage management

11, 22, 25, 26, 34, 36–39

Need of ethical support

21, 25, 28–30, 32, 34, 36, 37