ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The Virtual Naval Hospital (VNH) is a digital library designed to meet the information needs of U.S. Navy medical professionals. The goal of this study was to determine whether the VNH promoted health and improved patient care in a cost-effective manner. DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: An economic analysis determining the costs and benefits from the perspective of the U.S. Navy was conducted. As part of this analysis, medical professionals were surveyed from February to August 2000. RESULTS: Respondents used the VNH for a variety of professional activities (average, 8.2 h/wk). Respondents (70%) thought that VNH usage improved patient care. Medical providers thought it improved their diagnosis (70%) and treatment (60%). Respondents stated that the VNH affected 81 medical evacuations and 668 sick-in-quarter days. Overall content satisfaction was 94%. The VNH had a net savings of $143,848/yr and a cost/benefit ratio of 55.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The VNH has a beneficial impact on the Navy's health care system by improving health promotion and patient care and by being economically cost-effective.