Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/52107

Title

The cost-effectiveness of telehealth in metropolitan hospitals

Author(s)

Kitt, Sharon M.;  Clayton, Lexie

Abstract

We established a telehealth link between two inner-city health services about 10 km apart. The video-link between the sites was based on IP videoconferencing; ISDN connections were maintained as a form of system redundancy and to connect to sites beyond the local area network. The cost of a conventional consultation, in which the patient travelled to an outpatient appointment, was A$170. Because existing equipment and telecommunications could be used, the cost of a telehealth consultation was only A$74. During the study approximately 15 teleconsultations were completed and a number of patient transfers were cancelled because they were deemed clinically unnecessary. The preliminary results suggest that the cost-savings from telehealth can be substantial. In addition there were major benefits to continuity of patient care and clinical communication within the organization.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, Vol. 8, supplement 3 (2002), pp. 42-43

Publication year

2002

Keyword(s)

Australia;  Communication;  Cost benefit analysis;  Health care quality;  Hospitals;  Information processing;  ISDN connections;  Patient care;  Program evaluation;  Telecommunications;  Telehealth;  Telemedicine;  Videoconferencing

Publisher

Royal Society of Medicine Press

ISSN

1357-633X

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1258/13576330260440817

Copyright

Copyright © 2002 Royal Society of Medicine Press. Publisher does not allow open access archiving of either the postprint (final, revised accepted draft) or published version of full text.

Peer reviewed