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A cost measurement study for a home-based telehospice service
1TeleMedicine Services, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66160, USA. gdoolitt@kumc.edu
Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare
|May 4, 2000
Summary
Telehospice services, using telemedicine for home-based hospice care, are significantly more cost-effective than traditional in-person visits. This study found telehospice visits averaged $29, compared to $126-$141 for traditional care.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Economics
- Gerontology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Telehospice utilizes telemedicine to deliver hospice care at home.
- Limited research exists on the cost-effectiveness of telehospice services.
- Home-based palliative care models require thorough cost analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the costs of traditional hospice care versus telehospice.
- To determine the cost-effectiveness of telehospice for recipients.
- To provide data on launching and operating telehospice services.
Main Methods:
- Cost analysis of traditional hospice home visits over two three-month periods.
- Simultaneous monitoring of traditional (in-person) and telehospice visit expenses.
- Tallying costs associated with initiating and maintaining telehospice operations.
Main Results:
- Traditional hospice care costs per visit were $126 and $141 in the two study periods.
- The average cost for a telehospice visit was significantly lower at $29.
- Operational costs for telehospice were assessed across different phases.
Conclusions:
- Telehospice presents a substantially more cost-effective model for delivering home-based hospice care.
- The findings support the integration of telemedicine in palliative care for economic benefits.
- Further research into the long-term economic impact of telehospice is warranted.