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Enhancing access to healthcare remains a formidable challenge in rural regions of low- and lower-middle-income countries. Amid evolving healthcare challenges, telerheumatology provides opportunities to bridge gaps and expand access to rheumatology care, particularly in remote areas. We describe a pilot telerheumatology program and its cost-, time-, and travel-saving potential in a remote rural setting in northern Pakistan. The telerheumatology program commenced at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, providing services through video consultations to a basic health unit in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Patients visiting from the Gilgit-Baltistan region willing to participate were recruited in the program. Demographics and logistical metrics were recorded in a dedicated registry. A total of 533 consultations were carried out from April 2022 to April 2023. The majority of the patients were female (318/533, 59.7%). The median age of patients was 50 ± 15.7 years. The average wait time for consultation was 20 ± 13 min. The average travel time to reach telecentre was 59 ± 53 min. The average travel cost to reach telecentre was 379 ± 780 PKR (1.85 ± 3.81 USD). The average duration of consultation was 15 ± 5 min. The most common diagnosis for consultation was knee osteoarthritis (237, 44.5%), chronic low back pain (118, 22.1%), and rheumatoid arthritis (42, 7.9%). On average, patients saved 787 ± 29 km of distance, 15 ± 1 h of traveling, and 6702 ± 535 PKR (33 ± 3 USD) that would have been required to travel to our tertiary care hospital. Telerheumatology substantially reduced travel time, distance, and cost for patients. It has the potential to deliver outpatient rheumatology consultation in an economically efficient manner, effectively breaking geographical barriers and expanding access to essential services for patients in remote areas.
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Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Reumatologia , Telemedicina , Humanos , Paquistão , Projetos Piloto , Feminino , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Reumatologia/economia , Adulto , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde/economia , Telemedicina/economia , População Rural , Idoso , Doenças Reumáticas/terapia , Doenças Reumáticas/economia , Viagem/economia , Consulta Remota/economia , Serviços de Saúde Rural/economiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To present the results of a cost analysis of remote consultations (teleconsultations) compared to in-person consultations for patients with type 2 diabetes, in the Brazilian public healthcare system (SUS) in the city of Joinville, Santa Catarina (SC). In addition to the costs from the local manager's perspective, the article also presents estimates from the patient's perspective, based on the transportation costs associated with each type of consultation. METHOD: Data were collected from 246 consultations, both remote and in-person, between 2021 and 2023, in the context of a randomized clinical trial on the impact of teleconsultation carried out in the city of Joinville, SC. Teleconsultations were carried out at Primary Health Units (PHU) and in-person consultations at the Specialized Health Center. The consultation costs were calculate by the method time and activity-based costing (TDABC), and for the estimate of transportation costs data was collected directly from the research participants . The mean costs and time required to carry out each type of consultation in different scenarios and perspectives were analyzed and compared descriptively. RESULTS: Considering only the local SUS manager's perspective, the costs for carrying out a teleconsultation were 4.5% higher than for an in-person consultation. However, when considering the transportation costs associated with each patient, the estimated value of the in-person consultation becomes 7.7% higher and, in the case of consultations in other municipalities, 15% higher than the teleconsultation. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the incorporation of teleconsultation within the SUS can bring economic advantages depending on the perspective and scenario considered, in addition to being a strategy with the potential to increase access to specialized care in the public network.
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Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Consulta Remota , Humanos , Consulta Remota/economia , Consulta Remota/métodos , Brasil , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/economia , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/terapia , Programas Nacionais de Saúde/economia , Masculino , Custos e Análise de Custo , Feminino , Custos de Cuidados de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Análise Custo-BenefícioRESUMO
Introduction: Teleconsultations for preoperative evaluation in anesthesiology proved to be feasible during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, widespread implementation of teleconsultations has not yet occurred. Besides time savings and economic benefits, teleconsultations in anesthesia may have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions. Methods: We conducted a life cycle assessment based on prospective surveys to assess the potential environmental benefits of preoperative anesthesia teleconsultations in comparison to the status-quo in-person consultations. Within 1 month, all patients presenting at the preoperative anesthesia clinic at RWTH Aachen University Hospital were asked about the distance traveled and mode of transportation to the hospital. The main outcome measure was the potential environmental benefit resulting from the implementation of teleconsultations. Results: In total, 821 out of 981 patients presenting at the anesthesia clinic participated in the survey. Most patients visited on an outpatient basis (62.9%) and traveled by car (81.7%). The median travel distance was 25 km [interquartile range 12-40]. If patients who came to the hospital solely for the anesthesia appointment had scheduled virtual appointments, the emissions of 3.03-ton CO2 equivalents (CO2-eq) could be avoided in the first month after implementation. The environmental impact associated with the production of teleconsultation equipment is outweighed by the reduction in patient travel. If all outpatient appointments were performed virtually, these savings would triple. Within 10 years, more than 1,300 tons CO2-eq could be avoided. Conclusion: Teleconsultations can mitigate the environmental impact of in-person anesthesia consultations. Further research is essential to leverage teleconsultations for preoperative evaluation also across other medical specialties.
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COVID-19 , Consulta Remota , Humanos , Consulta Remota/estatística & dados numéricos , Consulta Remota/economia , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Estudos Prospectivos , Cuidados Pré-Operatórios/métodos , Feminino , Masculino , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemias , Pessoa de Meia-IdadeRESUMO
Introduction: One of the challenges faced by the Colombian Health System is to improve access to health services for the dispersed and isolated rural population, particularly in the field of dermatology. This article examines the implementation of a teledermatology service using a PC and camera versus smartphone technology. Methods: A total of 542 teledermatology visits were conducted, involving 478 patients, in addition to 64 visits for clinical follow-up for patients as per the dermatologist's recommendation. Out of the 478 patients, 461 met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. The data collection instrument from the general practitioner or referring provider covered three consultation moments: (1) sending an initial consultation, (2) providing a response to the patient, and (3) sending a follow-up consultation. Seven hundred forty-seven records were completed by the general practitioner for the three consultation moments. Furthermore, 372 consultations were documented by the dermatologist or referring provider for two moments: (1) response to the initial consultation by the dermatologist, and (2) response to the follow-up consultation by the dermatologist. After validating the information reported in the instruments, a descriptive analysis of the data was conducted, utilizing absolute frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables and measures of central tendency (mean, median, standard deviation, and interquartile range) for quantitative variables. The data were analyzed from 747 records of the referring provider instrument related to 461 patients, between 18 and 98 years of age, with a predominantly female representation. Results: The results indicated that for teleconsultations conducted using a mobile device, the average total duration of the teleconsultation was longer on the traditional platform compared with the mobile device (13.03 vs. 8.27 min). Additionally, it was observed that the time taken to store, send, and capture a single image (clinical or dermoscopic) using the mobile device was three times lower than that on the conventional platform (25 vs. 75 s). Similar findings were noted for teleconsultations carried out by the dermatologist, predominantly utilizing a mobile device. The average consultation time was shorter for the mobile device compared with the traditional platform (8.14 vs. 12 min). Conclusions: The cost reduction suggests that the operation of the service is more efficient with smartphone technology in comparison to the use of a PC and camera. Teledermatology with smartphones provides a streamlined, efficient, and technically sound process for obtaining clinical and dermoscopic images.
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Dermatologia , Fotografação , Smartphone , Telemedicina , Humanos , Feminino , Dermatologia/métodos , Dermatologia/economia , Dermatologia/instrumentação , Masculino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adolescente , Fotografação/instrumentação , Idoso , Adulto Jovem , Colômbia , Telemedicina/economia , Dermatopatias/diagnóstico , Dermatopatias/terapia , Consulta Remota/economia , Consulta Remota/instrumentação , Idoso de 80 Anos ou maisRESUMO
Introduction: Teledermatology adoption continues to increase, in part, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzes the utility and cost savings of a store-and-forward teledermatology consultative system within the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Methods: Retrospective cohort of 4,493 patients across 14 remote sites in Tennessee and Kentucky from May 2017 through August 2019. The study measured the agreement between the teledermatology diagnoses and follow-up face-to-face clinic evaluations as well as the cost effectiveness of the teledermatology program over the study period. Results: Fifty-four percent of patients were recommended for face-to-face appointment for biopsy or further evaluation. Most patients, 80.5% received their face-to-face care by a VA dermatologist. There was a high level of concordance between teledermatologist and clinic dermatologist for pre-malignant and malignant cutaneous conditions. Veterans were seen faster at a VA clinic compared with a community dermatology site. Image quality improved as photographers incorporated teledermatologist feedback. From a cost perspective, teledermatology saved the VA system $1,076,000 in community care costs. Discussion: Teledermatology is a useful diagnostic tool within the VA system providing Veteran care at a cost savings.
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COVID-19 , Redução de Custos , Dermatologia , Dermatopatias , Telemedicina , United States Department of Veterans Affairs , Humanos , Dermatologia/economia , Dermatologia/normas , Dermatologia/organização & administração , Estudos Retrospectivos , Dermatopatias/diagnóstico , Dermatopatias/economia , Estados Unidos , Telemedicina/economia , United States Department of Veterans Affairs/organização & administração , Feminino , Kentucky , Masculino , Controle de Qualidade , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tennessee , SARS-CoV-2 , Consulta Remota/economia , Idoso , Análise Custo-BenefícioAssuntos
Sobrecarga do Cuidador/psicologia , Doença Crônica/psicologia , Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde/tendências , Autogestão/psicologia , Comunicação , Apoio Comunitário/psicologia , Atenção à Saúde/métodos , Tecnologia Digital/economia , Tecnologia Digital/instrumentação , Humanos , Internet/instrumentação , Estilo de Vida , Multimorbidade/tendências , Polimedicação/estatística & dados numéricos , Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Consulta Remota/economia , Consulta Remota/estatística & dados numéricos , Medicina Estatal , Reino UnidoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a serious environmental issue. The healthcare sector is an important emitter of GHGs. Our aim was to assess the environmental cost of teleconsultations in urology compared to face-to-face consultations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study of all patients who had a remote teleconsultation over a 2-week period during COVID-19 pandemic. Main outcome was the reduction in CO2e emissions related to teleconsultation compared to face-to-face consultation and was calculated as: total teleconsultation CO2e emissions-total face-to-face consultation CO2e emissions. Secondary outcome measures were the reduction in travel distance and travel time related to teleconsultation. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included. Face-to-face consultations would have resulted in 6699km (4162 miles) of travel (83.7km (52 miles) per patient). Cars were the usual means of transport. CO2e avoided due to lack of travel was calculated at 1.1 tonnes. Teleconsultation was responsible for 1.1kg CO2e while face-to-face consultation emitted 0.5kg of CO2e. Overall, the total reduction in GHGs with teleconsultation was 1141kg CO2e, representing a 99% decrease in emissions. Total savings on transport were 974 and savings on travel time were 112h (1.4h/patient). CONCLUSIONS: Teleconsultation reduces the environmental impact of face-to-face consultations. The use of teleconsultation in our urology departments resulted in the avoidance of more than 6000km of travel, equivalent to a reduction of 1.1 tonnes of CO2e. Teleconsultation should be considered for specific indications as the healthcare system attempts to become greener. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.
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COVID-19/epidemiologia , Meio Ambiente , Consulta Remota , Urologia/organização & administração , Idoso , Poluentes Atmosféricos/análise , Automóveis , Pegada de Carbono/estatística & dados numéricos , Custos e Análise de Custo , Atenção à Saúde/economia , Atenção à Saúde/métodos , Atenção à Saúde/organização & administração , Feminino , França/epidemiologia , Gases de Efeito Estufa/análise , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pandemias , Densidade Demográfica , Consulta Remota/economia , Consulta Remota/estatística & dados numéricos , Características de Residência , SARS-CoV-2/fisiologia , Urologia/economia , Urologia/métodosRESUMO
The purpose of this article is critical analysis, reflection and discussion in regards to the uses and impacts technology has had in community settings, specifically care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be investigated and supported with special emphasis on virtual assessment platforms and their use within the care homes settings, furthermore reviewing specific data collected in relation to the usage within community care homes. The article will outline the positive attributes and critically reflect upon the benefits of using audio and video conferencing when assessing patients and the beneficial impacts this has had on patients and the wider health community. While conversely addressing the obstacles and threats faced by clinicians in the use of assessment software.
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COVID-19/epidemiologia , Enfermagem em Saúde Comunitária/organização & administração , Pandemias , Consulta Remota/métodos , Custos e Análise de Custo , Humanos , Consulta Remota/economia , SARS-CoV-2 , Telefone , Triagem/métodosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Global use of telemedicine has increased rapidly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to bridge the gap in existing health care services. Intercontinental trends in neurosurgeons' perception and practices of telemedicine have been sparingly reported. METHODS: We conducted an online anonymized and validated survey using a structured questionnaire to gain insight into neurosurgeons' experience with telemedicine across various continents and rated its usefulness on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: We received 286 responses across 5 continents. There was a trend to support a major paradigm shift favoring teleconsultations during the COVID-19 pandemic in respondents from North America (P = 0.06). Signed prescriptions were e-mailed along with video-based teleconsultations preferentially in Europe and North America. In comparison, audio- or text-based teleconsultations along with unsigned prescriptions were prevalent in Asia and Africa (P = 0.0005). Acceptability and perceived usefulness for telemedicine during the pandemic were similar across the globe, regardless of neurosurgeons' experience (mean satisfaction score 3.72 ± 1.09; P = 0.62). A majority of neurosurgeons from Asia and South America complained of difficulties during teleconsultations owing to lack of appropriate infrastructure, internet connectivity/prescription-related issues, and potential risk of litigation (P = 0.0005). Approximately 46% of neurosurgeons, predominantly from Europe and North America, thought that telemedicine could play a vital role in clinical practice even after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides (mean satisfaction score 3.26 ± 1.16; P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine in neurosurgery is a viable alternative to physical outpatient services during the COVID-19 pandemic and could potentially play a vital role after the pandemic.
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COVID-19 , Neurocirurgia/tendências , Pandemias , Consulta Remota/tendências , Assistência Ambulatorial , Humanos , Internet , Neurocirurgiões , Neurocirurgia/economia , Neurocirurgia/métodos , Prescrições , Consulta Remota/economia , Consulta Remota/métodos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Telemedicina/métodos , Telemedicina/tendênciasRESUMO
PURPOSE: Blood pressure telemonitoring and remote counselling (BPTM) improves blood pressure (BP) control in patients with hypertension (HTN). Studies assessing the efficacy of BPTM from a value-based perspective are lacking. We investigated whether BPTM fits all principles of the value-based approach (clinical and economic effectiveness, improvement in patient-reported outcome/experience measures (PROM/PREM)). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty ambulatory patients with uncontrolled HTN were randomised in a 2: 1 manner to BPTM (n = 160, mean age 47 y.o.) and usual care (UC, n = 80; 49 y.o.) with baseline and 3-month follow-up clinic visits. BPTM employed a mobile application (for patients) and a desktop version (for clinician), which allowed communication and exchange of medical data. The main outcomes were changes in office and ambulatory systolic (S) BPs, rate of BP control. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) were evaluated in economic analysis. The MOS SF-36 score was taken as a PROM, and the PEQ score was used as a PREM. RESULTS: Larger decreases in office and ambulatory SBPs (-16.8 and -8.9 mm Hg, respectively; p < .05) was achieved in BPTM group while the treatment intensity was equal (2.4 drugs). The ICER 11.1 EUR/-1 mm Hg 24-hour SBP/1 year was 75% effective as per willingness-to-pay threshold. BPTM improved PROM (+2.1 in mean MOS SF-36; p = .04), reduced long-term mortality (+0.11 life years gained), leading to +0.49 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained as compared with UC. The ICUR was 4 169.4 EUR/QALY gained. Patient-reported experience was higher in the BPTM (+10 PEQ, p = .01). The UC group showed minor changes in MOS SF-36 and PEQ (+1.3; +6, respectively; p n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Being cost-effective, BPTM incorporates both clinical benefits and patient-perceived value. Larger randomised studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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Pressão Sanguínea , Hipertensão/diagnóstico , Hipertensão/terapia , Telemedicina , Análise Custo-Benefício , Gerenciamento Clínico , Seguimentos , Humanos , Hipertensão/economia , Cadeias de Markov , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Aplicativos Móveis , Anos de Vida Ajustados por Qualidade de Vida , Consulta Remota/economia , Telemedicina/economiaRESUMO
Telemedicine has the potential to deliver high-quality, affordable health care to underserved populations that otherwise would not have adequate access to care. The authors provide a snapshot of several telemedicine initiatives that have used information and communication technologies to connect patients with health care providers across various Asian countries with differing socioeconomic statuses. They highlight several factors thought to contribute to the success of telemedicine programs, such as financial sustainability, ease of use, and utilization of existing resources. Challenges these programs have faced include lack of technological infrastructure, limitations in funding, and conflicting health system priorities.
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Dermatologia/métodos , Países Desenvolvidos , Países em Desenvolvimento , Telemedicina/métodos , Ásia , Dermatologia/economia , Dermatologia/organização & administração , Humanos , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Consulta Remota/economia , Consulta Remota/métodos , Consulta Remota/organização & administração , Telemedicina/economia , Telemedicina/organização & administração , Comunicação por VideoconferênciaRESUMO
Importance: Teledermatology (TD) enables remote triage and management of dermatology patients. Previous analyses of TD systems have demonstrated improved access to care but an inconsistent fiscal impact. Objective: To compare the organizationwide cost of managing newly referred dermatology patients within a TD triage system vs a conventional dermatology care model at the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (hereafter referred to as the ZSFG) in California. Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective cost minimization analysis was conducted of 2098 patients referred to the dermatology department at the ZSFG between June 1 and December 31, 2017. Intervention: Implementation of the TD triage system in January 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was mean cost to the health care organization to manage newly referred dermatology patients with or without TD triage. To estimate costs, decision-tree models were constructed to characterize possible care paths with TD triage and within a conventional dermatology care model. Costs associated with primary care visits, dermatology visits, and TD visits were then applied to the decision-tree models to estimate the mean cost of managing patients following each care path for 6 months. The mean cost for each visit type incorporated personnel costs, with the mean cost per TD consultation also incorporating software implementation and maintenance costs. Finally, ZSFG patient data were applied within the models to evaluate branch probabilities, enabling calculation of mean cost per patient within each model. Results: The analysis captured 2098 patients (1154 men [55.0%]; mean [SD] age, 53.4 [16.8] years), with 1099 (52.4%) having Medi-Cal insurance and 879 (41.9%) identifying as non-White. In the decision-tree model with TD triage, the mean (SD) cost per patient to the health care organization was $559.84 ($319.29). In the decision-tree model for conventional dermatology care, the mean (SD) cost per patient was $699.96 ($390.24). Therefore, the TD model demonstrated a statistically significant mean (SE) cost savings of $140.12 ($11.01) per patient. Given an annual dermatology referral volume of 3150 patients, the analysis estimates an annual savings of $441â¯378. Conclusions and Relevance: Implementation of a TD triage system within the dermatology department at the ZSFG was associated with cost savings, suggesting that managed health care settings may experience significant cost savings from using TD to triage and manage patients.
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Dermatologia/economia , Programas de Assistência Gerenciada/economia , Consulta Remota/economia , Dermatopatias/diagnóstico , Triagem/economia , Adulto , Idoso , Redução de Custos/estatística & dados numéricos , Análise Custo-Benefício , Dermatologia/métodos , Dermatologia/organização & administração , Feminino , Implementação de Plano de Saúde/economia , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde/economia , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde/organização & administração , Hospitais Gerais/economia , Hospitais Gerais/organização & administração , Humanos , Masculino , Programas de Assistência Gerenciada/organização & administração , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Consulta Remota/organização & administração , Estudos Retrospectivos , São Francisco , Dermatopatias/economia , Centros de Traumatologia/economia , Centros de Traumatologia/organização & administração , Triagem/métodos , Triagem/organização & administraçãoRESUMO
AIMS: Approximately 75% of fractures are simple, stable injuries which are often unnecessarily immobilised with subsequent repeated radiographs at numerous fracture clinic visits. In 2014, the Glasgow Fracture Pathway offered an alternative virtual fracture clinic (VFC) pathway with the potential to reduce traditional fracture clinic visits, waiting times and overall costs. Many units have implemented this style of pathway in the non-operative management of simple, undisplaced fractures. This study aims to systematically review the clinical outcomes, patient reported outcomes and cost analyses for VFCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent reviewers performed the literature search based on PRISMA guidelines, utilizing the MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE Library databases. Studies reporting outcomes following the use of VFC were included. Outcomes analysed were: 1) clinical outcomes, 2) patient reported outcomes, and 3) cost analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 15 studies involving 11,921 patients with a mean age of 41.1 years and mean follow-up of 12.6 months were included. In total, 65.7% of patients were directly virtually discharged with protocol derived conservative management, with 9.1% using the Helpline and 15.6% contacting their general practitioner for advice or reassurance. A total of 1.2% of patients experienced fracture non-unions and 0.4% required surgical intervention. The overall patient satisfaction rate was 81.0%, with only 1.3% experiencing residual pain at the fracture site. Additionally, the mean cost per patient for VFC was £71, with a mean saving of £53 when compared to traditional clinic models. Subgroup analysis found that for undisplaced fifth metatarsal or radial head/neck fractures, the rates of discharge from VFC to physiotherapy or general practitioners were 81.2% and 93.7% respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study established that there is excellent evidence to support virtual fracture clinic for non-operative management of fifth metatarsal fractures, with moderate evidence for radial head and neck fractures. However, the routine use of virtual fracture clinics is presently not validated for all stable, undisplaced fracture patterns. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; Systematic Review of all Levels of Evidence.
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COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Medicina Baseada em Evidências/métodos , Fraturas Ósseas/diagnóstico , Ortopedia/métodos , Consulta Remota/métodos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/transmissão , Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/normas , Análise Custo-Benefício , Medicina Baseada em Evidências/economia , Medicina Baseada em Evidências/normas , Fraturas Ósseas/terapia , Humanos , Ortopedia/economia , Ortopedia/organização & administração , Ortopedia/normas , Satisfação do Paciente , Consulta Remota/economia , Consulta Remota/organização & administração , Consulta Remota/normas , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Concerns about the prevention and management of COVID-19 are on the rise, as it is crucial in contagious epidemics that travel and transfer of the patients be minimal for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-ups. Telemedicine or telehealth can play an important role, especially with previous successful experiences in the management of acute infectious respiratory epidemics such as SARS and MERS. In order to better control the rapid spread of coronavirus and manage the COVID-19 crisis, both developed and developing countries can improve the efficiency of their health system by replacing a proportion of face-to-face clinical encounters with telehealth. Recent technological advancement facilitates this reform, but there is a need for national or state-wide rules and regulations to be adapted accordingly.
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Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Consulta Remota/organização & administração , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Saúde Global , Doença pelo Vírus Ebola/epidemiologia , Humanos , Pandemias , Consulta Remota/economia , Consulta Remota/normas , SARS-CoV-2 , Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave/epidemiologia , Telemedicina/organização & administraçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The benefits of automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) have been established, but patient adherence to treatment remains a concern. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs are a potential solution; however, the cost implications are not well established. This study modeled, from the payer perspective, expected net costs and clinical consequences of a novel RPM program in Colombia. METHODS: Amarkov model was used to project costs and clinical outcomes for APD patients with and without RPM. Clinical inputs were directly estimated from Renal Care Services data or taken from the literature. Dialysis costs were estimated from national fees. Inpatient costs were obtained from a recent Colombian study. The model projected overall direct costs and several clinical outcomes. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (DSA and PSA) were also conducted to characterize uncertainty in the results. RESULTS: The model projected that the implementation of an RPM program costing US$35 per month in a cohort of 100 APD patients over 1 year would save US$121,233. The model also projected 31 additional months free of complications, 27 fewer hospitalizations, 518 fewer hospitalization days, and 6 fewer peritonitis episodes. In the DSA, results were most sensitive to hospitalization rates and days of hospitalization, but cost savings were robust. The PSA found there was a 91% chance for the RPM program to be cost saving. CONCLUSION: The results of the model suggest that RPM is cost-effective in APD patients which should be verified by a rigorous prospective cost analysis.
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Custos de Cuidados de Saúde , Falência Renal Crônica/terapia , Monitorização Fisiológica/economia , Diálise Peritoneal/economia , Consulta Remota/economia , Adulto , Estudos de Coortes , Colômbia , Análise Custo-Benefício , HumanosRESUMO
PURPOSE: Electronic consultation (eConsult), involving asynchronous primary care clinician-to-specialist consultation, is being adopted at a growing number of health systems. Most evaluations of eConsult programs have assessed clinical and financial impacts and clinician acceptability. Less attention has been focused on patients' opinions. We set out to understand patient perspectives and preferences for hypothetical eConsult use at 5 US academic medical centers in the process of adopting an eConsult model. METHODS: We invited adult primary care patients to participate in focus groups. Participants were introduced to the eConsult model, considered its potential benefits and drawbacks, judged the acceptability of a hypothetical copay, and expressed their preferences for future involvement in eConsult decision making and communication. Thematic analysis was used for data interpretation. RESULTS: One focus group was conducted at each of the 5 sites with a total of 52 participants. Focus groups responded positively to the idea of eConsult, with quicker access to specialty care and convenience identified as key benefits. Approval was particularly high among those with a trusted primary care clinician. Preference for involvement in eConsult decision making and communication varied and enthusiasm about eConsult waned when a hypothetical copay was introduced. Concerns included potential misuse of eConsult and exclusion of the patient's illness narrative in the eConsult exchange. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care patients expressed strong support for eConsult, particularly when used by a trusted primary care clinician, in addition to voicing several concerns. Patient involvement in eConsult outreach and education efforts could help to enhance the model's effectiveness and acceptability.
Assuntos
Preferência do Paciente , Atenção Primária à Saúde/organização & administração , Consulta Remota/métodos , Centros Médicos Acadêmicos , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Tomada de Decisões , Feminino , Grupos Focais , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Consulta Remota/economia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore has largely centred around migrant worker dormitories, comprising over 90% of all cases in the country. Dormitories are home to a culturally and linguistically distinct, low-income population, without on-site healthcare after-hours. The primary objective of this study was to assess the engagement and utilisation of a simple, low-cost, accessible, mobile health solution for remote self-reporting of vital parameters in dormitory residents with COVID-19. DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical care. SETTING: Two large migrant worker dormitories with a combined population of 31 546. PARTICIPANTS: All COVID-19-affected residents housed in dormitories during the study period. INTERVENTION: All residents were taught to use a chat assistant to self-report their temperature, heart rate and oxygen saturations. Results flowed into a dashboard, which alerted clinicians of abnormal results. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome measure was engagement rate. This was derived from the total number of residents who registered on the platform over the total number of COVID-19-affected residents in the dormitories during the study period. Secondary outcome measures included outcomes of the alerts and subsequent escalations of care. RESULTS: 800 of the 931 COVID-19-affected residents (85.9%) engaged with the platform to log a total of 12 511 discrete episodes of vital signs. Among 372 abnormal readings, 96 teleconsultations were initiated, of which 7 (1.8%) were escalated to emergency services and 18 (4.9%) were triaged to earlier physical medical review on-site. CONCLUSIONS: A chat-assistant-based self-reporting platform is an effective and safe community-based intervention to monitor marginalised populations with distinct cultural and linguistic backgrounds, living communally and affected by COVID-19. Lessons learnt from this approach may be applied to develop safe and cost-effective telemedicine solutions across similar settings.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/métodos , Consulta Remota , Telemedicina , Migrantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , COVID-19/diagnóstico , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Análise Custo-Benefício , Autoavaliação Diagnóstica , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Habitação/organização & administração , Humanos , Intervenção Baseada em Internet , Masculino , Consulta Remota/economia , Consulta Remota/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , SARS-CoV-2 , Singapura/epidemiologia , Marginalização Social , Telemedicina/métodos , Telemedicina/organização & administraçãoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Current reimbursement policy surrounding telemedicine has been cited as a barrier for the adaptation of this care model. The objective of this study is to analyze the reimbursement figures for outpatient telemedicine consultation in vascular surgery. METHODS: Patients first underwent synchronous telemedicine visits after receiving point-of-care ultrasound at one of 3 satellite locations of Henry Ford Health System in Michigan. Visit types included new, return, and postoperative patients. Reimbursement information related to payor, adjustment, denial, paid and outstanding balances were recorded for each telemedicine visit. Then, using an enterprise data warehouse, a retrospective analysis was performed for the aforementioned telemedicine visits. The data were analyzed to determine the outcome of total billed charges, number of denied claims, reimbursement per payor, reimbursement per patient, and out-of-pocket costs to the patients. RESULTS: Among 184 virtual clinical encounters, the payors included Aetna US Healthcare, Blue Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cofinity Plan, Health Alliance Plan, HAP Medicare Advantage, Humana Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Medicare, Molina Medicaid HMO, United Healthcare, Blue Care Network, Aetna Better Health of Michigan, Priority Health, and self-pay. Among the 15 payors, reimbursement ranged from 0% to 67% of the total charges billed. Among the 184 virtual visits, a grand total of $22,145 was collected or an average of $120.35 per virtual encounter. The breakdown of charges billed was 40% adjusted, 41% paid by insurance, 10% paid by patient, and 13% denied. There were 27 total denials (15%). Denial of payment included telehealth and nontelehealth reasons, citing noncovered charges, payment included for other prior services, new patient quality not met, and not covered by payor. The average out-of-pocket cost to patients was $12.59 per visit. CONCLUSIONS: These reimbursement data validate the economic potential within this new platform of healthcare delivery. As our experience with the business model grows, we expect to see an increase in reimbursement from private payors and acceptance from patients. Within a tertiary care system, telemedicine for chronic vascular disease has proven to be a viable means to reach a broader population base, and without significant cost to the patients.