Judgment analysis of prioritization decisions within a dialysis program in one United Kingdom region.

Background: Some previous research on rationed clinical services has confused the conceptual differences underpinning prioritization decisions on the one hand and assessments of individual need on the other. The balance of the clinical and nonclinical drivers of these decisions can be different. Our objective was to study the basis and extent of variation among nephrologists in one NHS region in their views concerning prioritization for dialysis.