{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Economic impact of outpatient follow-up using telemedicine vs in-person visits for patients in general surgery: A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.
{Author}: Ferret G;Cremades M;Cornejo L;Guillem-López F;Farrés R;Parés D;Julian JF;
{Journal}: Cir Esp (Engl Ed)
{Volume}: 102
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun 9
暂无{DOI}: 10.1016/j.cireng.2024.01.015
{Abstract}: BACKGROUND: Innovation in internet connectivity and the Covid 19 pandemic have caused a dramatic change in the management of patients in the medical field, boosting the use of telemedicine. A comparison of clinical outcomes and satisfaction between conventional face-to-face and telemedicine follow-up in general surgery, an economic evaluation is mandatory. The aim of the present study was to compare the differences in economic costs between these two outpatient approaches in a designed randomized controlled trial (RCT).
METHODS: A RCT was conducted enrolling 200 patients to compare conventional in-person vs. digital health follow-up using telemedicine in the outpatient clinics in patients of General Surgery Department after their planned discharge. After a demonstration that no differences were found in clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, we analyzed the medical costs, including staff wages, initial investment, patent's transportation and impact on social costs.
RESULTS: After an initial investment of 7527.53€, the costs for the Medical institution of in-person conventional follow-up were higher (8180.4€) than those using telemedicine (4630.06€). In relation to social costs, loss of productivity was also increased in the conventional follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of digital Health telemedicine is a cost-effective approach compared to conventional face-to-face follow-up in patients of General Surgery after hospital discharge.