Cost Analysis of Telepaediatric ENT Services
Author Information
Author(s): Xu Cathy Q, Smith Anthony C, Scuffham Paul A, Wootton Richard
Primary Institution: Centre for Online Health, University of Queensland
Hypothesis
What is the least-cost approach to providing ENT services for paediatric outpatients?
Conclusion
The tele-ENT service was found to be a more economical method for providing specialist ENT services compared to conventional outpatient services.
Supporting Evidence
- Tele-ENT service costs were A$108 per consultation compared to A$155 for conventional outpatient services.
- Cost savings of $7,621 were projected if all consultations were conducted via tele-ENT.
- The tele-ENT service became cost-effective when the workload exceeded 100 consultations per year.
Takeaway
Using video calls to see a doctor for ear, nose, and throat problems is cheaper than traveling to the hospital, especially if many kids need to see the doctor.
Methodology
A cost-minimisation analysis comparing tele-ENT and conventional outpatient services over a 12-month period.
Limitations
The study assumed clinical outcomes were similar for both consultation methods and was observational rather than randomized.
Participant Demographics
Patients from Bundaberg, Queensland, with a focus on children needing ENT consultations.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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