Medical resource usage for COVID-19 evaluated using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented global health crises with multiple waves.
• Significant depletion of medical resources occurred during the pandemic.
• The specific medical resources utilized during different COVID-19 waves remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the characteristics of medical care provision during COVID-19 peaks.
• To inform preparedness strategies for future pandemics.
• To identify critical resource allocation patterns during severe outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Japanese medical insurance claim records for analysis.
• Examined monthly COVID-19 infection status and medical resource utilization.
• Stratified data by age group to identify demographic impacts.

Main Results:

• The August 2021 wave, driven by the Delta variant, most heavily affected the working-age population.
• This peak saw the highest demand for hospital admissions and respiratory support.
• Subsequent waves had high case numbers but primarily affected older adults with less intensive care needs.

Conclusions:

• The August 2021 COVID-19 wave serves as a critical case study for medical resource shortages.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted resource planning based on specific pandemic wave characteristics.
• This research provides a basis for more effective healthcare system responses in future pandemics.