Cost-benefit analysis of implementing Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) technology in the Brazilian Public Health System

To conduct an ex-ante cost-benefit analysis of implementing Vendor Neutral Archive technology in the Brazilian Public Health System.

The cost-benefit analysis involves monetizing the potential costs and benefits of implementing Vendor Neutral Archive in the Brazilian Public Health System, focusing on comparing these values using the return on investment measure.

The aggregate analysis at the Brazilian Public Health System level reveals that the estimated return on investment for the first year after Vendor Neutral Archive implementation is 5.63%, rising to 10.12% after three years. The results indicate a positive correlation between the number of imaging exams conducted and the financial gains for the health institution under analysis. A minimum number of approximately 11,500 exams is required to implement Vendor Neutral Archive technology to generate positive returns in the first year after implementation.

Despite the importance of interpreting results cautiously owing to assumptions and methodological limitations, the findings highlight the strategic significance of Vendor Neutral Archive in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the Brazilian Public Health System. Adopting cloud-based medical image storage requires a significant upfront investment but promises substantial benefits. Within the Brazilian Public Health System, the return on this investment can be realized in less than one year, correlated with the volume of imaging exams performed. This underscores the importance of scalability in the healthcare system, where wider adoption of Vendor Neutral Archive results in higher returns.

■ Vendor Neutral Archive implementation has an return on investment of 5.63% in the first year and 10.12% after three years.

■ At least 11,500 exams are needed annually for a positive return on investment in the first year after implementation.

■ Vendor Neutral Archive enhances interoperability and efficiency by standardizing and centralizing image storage.

■ Scalability is key: higher adoption of Vendor Neutral Archive leads to greater financial and operational benefits.

Vendor Neutral Archive is a centralized, cloud-based solution that enables interoperable storage and management of medical images. Vendor Neutral Archive enhances data accessibility and long-term cost efficiency, supporting a more scalable and sustainable healthcare infrastructure. This study conducts a cost-benefit analysis of implementing Vendor Neutral Archive technology in the Brazilian Public Health System.