ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The global provision of essential healthcare stands as a critical concern. Consequently, healthcare policies play a pivotal role in determining the allocation of resources. However, the optimal indicators for prioritizing such policies remain uncertain. This study proposes that employing the concept of treatable mortality in a stepwise manner could serve as a viable approach to setting healthcare policy priorities. Furthermore, it aims to demonstrate this concept through the application of real-world data. METHODS: A model was developed to assess treatable mortality at a national level focusing on severe emergency conditions. We established stepwise targets, encompassing short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals to reduce mortality rates and enhance healthcare efficiency. The short-term target consists of directing attention to regions exhibiting in-hospital mortality rates surpassing the national average within a specific disease category and reducing them to the national average. The mid-term objective entails decreasing the in-hospital mortality rate of the specific disease group to match that of the region with the lowest rate nationwide. As for long-term target, it aligns the in-hospital mortality rate with that of OECD countries possessing average or lowest rates. The model was applied using data from South Korea's National Emergency Department Information System, specifically analyzing acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, and sepsis. RESULTS: Reaching the short-term target resulted in the treatable deaths for AMI numbered 191, for stroke 249, and for sepsis 546. Meeting the mid-term target led to treatable deaths for AMI at 749, for stroke at 958, and for sepsis at 1552. Finally, achieving the long-term target yielded the treatable deaths for AMI at 2606, for stroke at 1642, and for sepsis at 2619. Consequently, a reallocation of more healthcare resources to sepsis over AMI or stroke is recommended. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes the utilization of treatable mortality as a metric for establishing healthcare policies. The stepwise approach provides valuable insights for policymaking at various levels. Despite limitations, the model offers a foundation for resource allocation and international mortality rate comparisons, aiming for achievable rates worldwide.
