GIS and spatial analysis for costs and services optimization in neurological telemedicine

Telemedicine is an integrated, biomedical and psychosocial, secondary prevention intervention, where a specialized team guides the patient and his family in the course of the disease by reducing the stress of caregivers and allowing patients to stay longer at home, reducing, consequently, costs related to go to the specialist clinic. Teleneurology is a part of Telemedicine which uses modern communication technologies to allow neurology to be practiced when the doctor and patient are not present in the same place, and possibly not at the same time. This study focuses on identifying regional spots as potential territorial stations for the telemedicine service through the GIS (Geographical Information System), a computerized systems that allows placement of data of different types and sources into one system to manage and form spatial relationships that allow the display and analysis of relationships of geographic, environmental, and population factors (Scholten & de Lepper, 1991). We analyzed the optimal location of territorial telemedicine spots in correspondence of general practitioner clinics. It could be intended as a way to involve general practitioners in the management of those patients. The aim of this study is to improve the quality of life of patients and their caregivers providing a continuity of care through this system that reduces the inconvenience of travel and related costs. We estimated, then, the reduction of costs for patients and care-givers joining the telemedicine service in terms of hours out of work.