A Modeled Analysis of Telehealth Methods for Treating Pressure Ulcers after Spinal Cord Injury. (2nd October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Mark W.; Hill, Michelle L.; Hopkins, Karen L.; Kiratli, B. Jenny; Cronkite, Ruth C.
• Other Names: Demiris George Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of telemedicine and applications. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-10-02
• Subjects: Telecommunication in medicine -- Periodicals; Medical telematics -- Periodicals; Télémédecine; Télématique médicale; Medical telematics; Telecommunication in medicine; Telemedicine -- Periodicals; Medical Informatics -- Periodicals; Biomedical Technology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/729492
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-6415

Abstract

Abstract : Home telehealth can improve clinical outcomes for conditions that are common among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). However, little is known about the costs and potential savings associated with its use. We developed clinical scenarios that describe common situations in treatment or prevention of pressure ulcers. We calculated the cost implications of using telehealth for each scenario and under a range of reasonable assumptions. Data were gathered primarily from US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative records. For each scenario and treatment method, we multiplied probabilities, frequencies, and costs to determine the expected cost over the entire treatment period. We generated low-, medium-, and high-cost estimates based on reasonable ranges of costs and probabilities. Telehealth care was less expensive than standard care when low-cost technology was used but often more expensive when high-cost, interactive devices were installed in the patient's home. Increased utilization of telehealth technology (particularly among rural veterans with SCI) could reduce the incidence of stage III and stage IV ulcers, thereby improving veterans' health and quality of care without increasing costs. Future prospective studies of our present scenarios using patients with various healthcare challenges are recommended.