Analysing the Relationship Between the Length of The Stay and Economic Burden in ICU Patients

Abstract

With a view towards finding crucial aspects impacting healthcare costs in critically sick patients, this study looks at the relationship between the length of stay (LOS) in intensive care units (ICUs) and the corresponding economic burden. ICUs are high-cost environments since they depend on modern technology, specialised personnel, and careful use of resources; LOS is therefore a main predictor of financial spending. Driven by additional procedures, extended use of medical devices, and increased risk of consequences, longer stays often result in mounting costs. Using a retroactive analysis of ICU patients, this paper looks at both direct costs—such as hospital charges, drugs, and procedural expenses—as well as indirect costs—such as carer load and loss of productivity. LOS and economic results were investigated using regression analysis and other statistical methods, so allowing mediating elements including comorbidities, degree of sickness, and demographic characteristics. LOS and total healthcare expenditure show a significant positive association with patient age, mechanical ventilation length, and underlying diseases clearly influencing cost variability. These findings underline the need of early discharge planning, application of step-down care units, and targeted interventions for high-risk patients in order to maximise ICU resource use. By means of systematic inefficiencies, the study provides useful guidance for doctors, legislators, and healthcare managers on reducing the financial burden of ICU treatment while maintaining patient outcomes. This paper adds evidence-based recommendations to increase financial sustainability in resource-intensive healthcare environments, so contributing to the greater knowledge of cost control in critical care settings.