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Published on: August 1, 2019
The TECCU-Based Telemonitoring Platform for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is Cost-Effective: A Multicenter GETECCU Trial
Mariam Aguas1, Javier Del Hoyo1, Raquel Vicente2
1Gastroenterology Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital and Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
Summary
Nationwide telemonitoring for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using the TECCU app is cost-effective. This approach reduces healthcare and societal costs while maintaining disease control compared to standard care.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Health Economics
- Digital Health
Background:
- Limited evidence exists on the economic impact of telemonitoring for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Evaluating the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of nationwide IBD telemonitoring is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of nationwide IBD telemonitoring versus standard care.
- To compare healthcare and patient-incurred costs over 52 weeks.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority trial involving 24 Spanish centers.
- Adult IBD patients initiating immunosuppressants or biologics were assigned to telemonitoring (TECCU app) or standard care.
- Primary outcomes included time in remission (cost-effectiveness) and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) (cost-utility).
Main Results:
- Telemonitoring (TECCU) was less costly than standard care in 73.5% of simulations.
- TECCU demonstrated a high probability (90.3%) of cost-effectiveness at a €20,000 willingness-to-pay threshold for QALYs.
- TECCU significantly reduced in-person visits, healthcare costs, patient travel, time off work, and travel expenses.
Conclusions:
- Nationwide telemonitoring with the TECCU app is cost-effective for IBD management.
- It serves as a valuable complementary strategy to standard care, reducing both healthcare and societal costs.
- Telemonitoring effectively maintains disease control while offering economic benefits.
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