Cost analysis of implementing a telegeriatrics ecosystem with nursing homes: panel data analysis. Issue 4 (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Low, James Alvin; Hui Jin, Toh; Tan Lean Chin, Laurence; Agarwal, Neha; Kim Huat, Goh; Yeow, Adrian; Soh, Christina
• Is Part Of: Health systems. Volume 9:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 285
• Page End: 292
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Telehealth -- health IT quality and evaluation -- health IT economics; 610.285
• DOI: 10.1080/20476965.2019.1589390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-6965

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Our study analyzed the economicimpact of a telegeriatrics programme on care of nursing homeresidents, from the healthcare system provider's perspective. Thisis a retrospective, archival data analysis of multiple data sourcesin 4 nursing homes of Singapore from 2010 to 2015. Individualsadmitted to nursing homes and have undergone telemedicineconsultations (N=859) from 2010 to 2015 were recruited. Weconducted a cost analysis of the programme by reviewing pasthospital admissions' and specialist outpatient clinic (SOC) visits'billing records, nurse training records, and key performanceindicators' reports. A significant relationship was observed betweenteleconsultations and SOC visit cost ( β1 = -83.366, p-value<0.01) and between teleconsultations and inpatient cost ( β1 =-470.971, p-value <0.05). Remote video consultations could reduceunnecessary SOC visits and hospital admissions, and thereforelead to cost savings. Training of nursing home nurses couldtranslate to cost savings as a result of decreased ED transfers.