Accuracy of previous estimates for adult prolonged acute mechanical ventilation volume in 2020

Abstract

Our original projections for growth of the adult prolonged acute mechanical ventilation population in the U.S. hospitals by the year 2020 are altered only slightly by adding the 2006-2008 data. Relatively precise prediction of the 2008 prolonged acute mechanical ventilation numbers by the original formulas lends internal validity to the methodology. By virtue of being a large, resource-intensive, and rapidly increasing population, this group of mechanical ventilation patients requires continued close monitoring over time to optimize our preparedness to meet their growing healthcare needs.