Reducing Intensive Care Costs in Mechanically Ventilated Chronic Patients Through Specialized Chronic Units: A Colombian Experience
Author(s)
JUAN C. FERNANDEZ MERCADO, MBA, MSc, PhD, MD1, Nelson Alvis-Guzman, MPH, PhD, MD2, MANUEL VICENTE CABALLERO TABOADA, MD. Esp.3.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3DIRECTOR MEDICO, SEDARTE UNIDAD DE CRONICOS, MONTERIA- SINCELEJO, Colombia.
1UNIVERSIDAD DE CARTAGENA, Cartagena, Colombia, 2Universidad de Cartagena - ALZAK Foundation, Cartagena, Colombia, 3DIRECTOR MEDICO, SEDARTE UNIDAD DE CRONICOS, MONTERIA- SINCELEJO, Colombia.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes of managing ventilated chronic patients in specialized chronic care units instead of intensive care units (ICUs), with a focus on reducing healthcare expenditures, improving patient quality of life, and enhancing humanized care practices.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis of 660 admissions from 2023 to 2024 was conducted across two chronic care units in Colombia (Montería: 55 beds; Sincelejo: 49 beds), operating at 82% occupancy with an average length of stay of 93 days. Monthly admissions averaged 27.5 patients. The cost per ventilated patient in these units was USD $133.33/day, compared to USD $900/day in an ICU setting.
RESULTS:
Transferring ventilated patients to chronic care units reduced monthly costs from USD $27,000 (ICU) to USD $4,000, resulting in an 85% cost reduction per patient per month (USD $23,000 savings). Across 14 ventilated patients, the projected monthly savings reached USD $56,000. The care model included family accompaniment and a multidisciplinary approach, improving comfort, reducing complications, and increasing adherence to palliative plans.
CONCLUSIONS:
Specialized chronic care units represent a clinically effective and economically sustainable alternative to ICU management for ventilated chronic patients. This model improves long-term outcomes and should be adopted in national health policy frameworks.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis of 660 admissions from 2023 to 2024 was conducted across two chronic care units in Colombia (Montería: 55 beds; Sincelejo: 49 beds), operating at 82% occupancy with an average length of stay of 93 days. Monthly admissions averaged 27.5 patients. The cost per ventilated patient in these units was USD $133.33/day, compared to USD $900/day in an ICU setting.
RESULTS:
Transferring ventilated patients to chronic care units reduced monthly costs from USD $27,000 (ICU) to USD $4,000, resulting in an 85% cost reduction per patient per month (USD $23,000 savings). Across 14 ventilated patients, the projected monthly savings reached USD $56,000. The care model included family accompaniment and a multidisciplinary approach, improving comfort, reducing complications, and increasing adherence to palliative plans.
CONCLUSIONS:
Specialized chronic care units represent a clinically effective and economically sustainable alternative to ICU management for ventilated chronic patients. This model improves long-term outcomes and should be adopted in national health policy frameworks.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EE642
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Cost/Cost of Illness/Resource Use Studies
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas