Measuring economic efficiency in adult intensive care units: A systematic review of methods, metrics, and evidence
Authors' conclusion
ICU efficiency research is feasible but fragmented and often methodologically limited.
Study context
- Population
- Studies of economic efficiency in adult intensive care units (ICUs)39 studies · 17 countries
- Outcome
- How economic efficiency is conceptualised and quantified in adult ICUs, and quality of evidence
Methodological detailsPRISMA 2020, narrative synthesis (SWiM), MMAT quality appraisal, dual independent screening and extraction, Searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (2000-August 2025) plus grey sources
- PRISMA 2020
- Narrative synthesis (SWiM)
- MMAT quality appraisal
- Dual independent screening and extraction
- Searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (2000-August 2025) plus grey sources
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Methods of measuring ICU efficiency
Studies included (2001-2025)
39
Countries, all high-income or upper-middle-income
17
Methodological families: frontier modelling (mainly DEA), benchmarking indicators, cost-outcome evaluations, operational/process metrics
4
Original publication
Measuring economic efficiency in adult intensive care units: A systematic review of methods, metrics, and evidence. J Crit Care. Published 28 July 2026. doi:10.
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