[Cost/benefit and cost/effectiveness study: Anahuac telemedicine]

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Telemedicine
• Public Health

Context:

• Rural and marginalized areas in Mexico face significant healthcare access challenges.
• The Telemedicina Anáhuac project utilizes fixed and mobile teleconsultation units to extend medical services.
• Assessing the economic viability and effectiveness of telemedicine interventions is crucial for resource allocation.

Purpose:

• To conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis of the Telemedicina Anáhuac project.
• To evaluate the project's impact on healthcare accessibility and coverage in underserved populations.
• To determine the overall viability and return on investment of the telemedicine initiative.

Summary:

• Bibliographical analysis of health areas formed the methodological basis for the study.
• Monetary analysis indicated fair profits, improved accessibility, and increased coverage.
• The project's short duration limited accurate evaluation of epidemiological changes, but highlighted effective surgical patient referral.

Impact:

• Telemedicina Anáhuac presents a valuable opportunity to address health disparities in marginalized Mexican communities.
• The project yields benefits for patients, the Ministry of Health, personnel, and student trainees.
• Enhanced diagnostic capabilities in surgery and reduced burden on secondary care facilities are key outcomes.