futility theory

Futility theory in decision-making refers to the idea that pursuing certain actions or treatments is unlikely to produce meaningful benefits, making continued effort inefficient or pointless. It assesses whether an intervention has a reasonable chance of achieving a desired outcome or if further effort would only prolong suffering or consume resources without improving the situation. This concept helps guide clinicians, patients, and policymakers to avoid unnecessary procedures and focus on options that offer genuine value or relief, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and ethical resource allocation.