Cost analysis of telemedicine use in paediatric nephrology-the LMIC perspective.
Pediatr Nephrol
; 39(1): 193-201, 2024 Jan.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37488241
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The overall cost of managing chronic diseases is a significant barrier to accessing complete and timely healthcare, especially in rural and geographically isolated areas. This cost disparity becomes more pronounced in the case of children and more so in under-resourced regions of the world. In the era of COVID-19, as the need for physical distancing increased, there was a transition in approach to healthcare provision to telemedicine consultations. This study evaluates the cost saving using teleconsultations in a paediatric nephrology clinic.METHODS:
This prospective cohort study was conducted at AIIMS Jodhpur, a tertiary care centre in western Rajasthan from March 2021 to October 2022. All consecutive paediatric (29 days-18 years) patients attending telemedicine services for kidney-related illness were enrolled. Basic demographic details were collected. Cost analysis was done after 6 months, regarding perceived cost savings for the patient and family by using telehealth for follow-up during 6 months starting from enrolment.RESULTS:
A total of 112 patients were enrolled; 266 teleconsultations attended; 109 patients who could be followed up saved INR 457,900 during 6 months of follow-up. The average cost saving was INR - 1577/patient/visit. Patients saved 4.99% of the family income (median 2.16% (IQR 0.66-5.5)). The highest expenditure per visit was incurred for food and transport. The median distance from the residence to the clinic was 122.5 km (IQR 30-250). Over the 6-month study period, patients saved a travel distance of 83,274 km (743 km/patient).CONCLUSIONS:
The use of telemedicine as a follow-up method helps save significant costs and distances travelled by patients. A higher-resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Telemedicina
/
Nefrología
Tipo de estudio:
Health_economic_evaluation
/
Observational_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Humans
/
Infant
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Pediatr Nephrol
Asunto de la revista:
NEFROLOGIA
/
PEDIATRIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
India