RESUMEN
Background: Almost one-fifth of the population of Saudi Arabia lives in rural areas and may still lack access to specialty healthcare. Because of the growing demand for telehealth services, we initiated the virtual clinic (VC) concept for new referrals to the pediatric urology clinic (PUC), the primary tertiary care unit in Riyadh. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of costs and timing involved with the VC practice for a 1-year period. The cost analysis is based on savings realized by patients as a result of the VC evaluation. A 15-question nonvalidated satisfaction survey was also conducted by an independent observer. Results: Of 105 patients assessed through the VC program, 44 were accepted for surgery and further investigation. The number of trips to the center saved by the virtual encounter were 203, resulting in a savings of 740,950 Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR) minus the cost of the VC. The cost of conducting most of the investigations at the referring hospital instead of the PUC represented a savings of 639,970 SAR. Thus, the overall cost savings to patient and family and to the PUC was 1,311,570 SAR. An additional benefit was the reduction in the time for treatment from 6.6 to 3.9 months. The overall satisfaction rate was 89%. Conclusions: Although preliminary, our study indicates that telemedicine can achieve a cost savings without compromising the safety or adversely affecting patient management. Further studies should more clearly define the benefits and any limitations, and reveal how the technology could be used most effectively.