Background: Advances in medical technology have improved the survival of critically ill children, resulting in a growing population of technology-dependent children (TDC). Given their substantial healthcare needs and often complex care, understanding the prevalence and healthcare utilization of TDC is crucial for informed decision-making for healthcare professionals and policymakers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, incidence, and healthcare utilization of TDC in Republic of Korea (South Korea). Methods: This retrospective, population-level study analyzed the National Insurance Service claims data in Korea from 2018 to 2019. Children and adolescents aged 0-18 years living at home with technology dependence for respiratory (invasive/non-invasive ventilation, tracheostomy, or oxygen therapy) or nutritional support (nasoenteric or gastrostomy tube feeding) were included. We estimated 2-year prevalence, 1-year incidence, and healthcare utilization, including subgroup comparisons by complex chronic condition (CCC) status. Results: In total, 3, 306 children were identified as TDC: 1, 889 required respiratory support (21. 5 per 100, 000), and 2, 036 required tube feeding (23. 2 per 100, 000). The mean age was 4. 4 5. 4 years for respiratory-dependent and 6. 2 5. 8 years for nutritional-dependent children. Most of the children had 1 CCC. Compared with non-CCC counterparts, children with CCC had longer hospital stays (125 vs. 35. 8days), more intensive care unit days (74. 6 vs. 35. 8), and higher annual healthcare costs per patient (49, 870 vs. 10, 430). The overall 1-year mortality was 17. 0%, with higher rates among patients with CCC. Conclusion: TDC represent a relatively small but medically complex population with high healthcare needs and utilization. These findings highlight the importance of coordinated and multidisciplinary home-based care. Further studies are warranted to guide interventions and policies that support improved outcomes for TDC and their families.
Lee et al. (Thu,) studied this question.