A cost-effectiveness analysis of interactive paediatric telecardiology

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Health Services Research
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Teleconsultation services offer remote diagnostic consultations for pediatric cardiac conditions.
• Evaluating the long-term cost-effectiveness of established telemedicine programs is crucial for healthcare system optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the cost-effectiveness of a pediatric cardiology teleconsultation service after five years of operation.
• To compare the economic impact of telecardiology with conventional care models.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 78 infants receiving pediatric cardiology teleconsultation over four years.
• Comparative cost analysis of telecardiology versus traditional in-person tertiary care visits.

Main Results:

• Teleconsultation significantly improved access to tertiary care, reducing patient journeys by 42%.
• Telecardiology incurred higher overall costs (C$272,327) compared to conventional care (C$157,212), representing an added cost of C$1500 per patient.
• The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated at C$3488 per patient journey avoided.

Conclusions:

• Telemedicine, specifically telecardiology, enhances the effectiveness and accessibility of specialized pediatric care.
• While beneficial for patients through reduced travel, telecardiology currently represents a supplementary cost to the healthcare system.
• Further research may explore strategies to mitigate costs associated with telemedicine implementation in pediatric cardiology.