Impact of medical crisis on the critical care system in South Korea.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ongoing medical crisis in Korea has severely impacted the operational environment of intensive care units (ICU), posing significant challenges to quality care for critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the ongoing crisis on ICUs.

Methods

A survey was conducted in July 2024 among intensivists in charge of ICUs at institutions accredited by the Korean Society of Critical Care Medicine for critical care. The survey compared data from January 2024 (pre-crisis) and June 2024 (post-crisis) on the number ICU beds, staffing composition, work hours, and the number and roles of nurse practitioners.

Results

Among the total of 71 participating ICUs, 22 experienced a reduction in the number of operational beds, with a median decrease of

SUBMITTER: Chang YR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12408483 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature