Cost justification of a community health information network: the ComputerLink for AD caregivers

Recent studies examined the perceived benefits of the ComputerLink, a specialized computer network for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease. The ComputerLink existed as a special service within a free, public access community health information network. The issue of "free", however, is debatable. Though usage costs were not incurred by the AD caregivers who used ComputerLink, there are direct and indirect costs associated with these and other community networks. This study will focus on costs incurred at the individual level, recognizing that organizations and society also bear community network costs. At this level, the primary cost savings occur with the caregiver. The biggest factor determining net economic benefits is the extent to which this technology intervention delays or prevents institutionalization. Results of this analysis suggest that community health networks do return economic and social benefits to their users.