Discrepancy Between The Demand and Supply of Intensive Care Unit Beds in South Korea From 2011 To 2019: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract Background Intensive care unit (ICU) bed availability is key to critical patient care. Considering the rapidly increasing aging population in South Korea, it is important to establish whether the demand for ICU care is met by the currently available ICU beds. However, there have been no reports regarding the relationship between the increase in the number of ICU beds and the increase in the utilization of ICU facilities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the trends in ICU bed supply and ICU bed-days in the adult population. Methods We evaluated the 9-year trend in ICU bed rates and bed-days in South Korea between 2011 and 2019 in a population-based cross-sectional analysis, using data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database. We described changes in ICU bed rates in adult (≥ 20 years) and older adult (≥ 65 years) populations. ICU bed-days were categorized similarly and used to predict future ICU bed demands. Results The ICU bed rate was higher in 2011 than in 2019 (23.3 and 20.2 per 100,000 adults and 161.2 and 107.5 per 100,000 older adults, respectively). The number of ICU bed-days was lower in 2011 than in 2019 (100.5 and 137.8 per 1,000 adults and 59.0 and 86.1 per 1,000 older adults, respectively). In 2019, the regional differences in the ICU bed rate and ICU bed-days nearly doubled and tripled, respectively. The ICU bed occupancy rate in South Korea is expected to rise to 97.7% in 2030. Conclusion A significant discrepancy was found between the supply and demand of ICU beds in South Korea. This discrepancy requires urgent action. Our findings may inform government organizations about the necessity of planning and preparing for future ICU demands and the shortage in their supply.