Cost analysis of neonatal tele-homecare for preterm infants compared to hospital-based care
Source: Rasmussen, M. K., et al. 2019 - Pubmed ID: 31046543
Setting: Denmark, Hospital
CT (historic control)
Follow up: When infant no longer required tube feeding and presented weight gain by solely oral feedings
Sample size:
Total: 374
IG: 96
CG: 278
Inclusion criteria:
- Preterm infants
- GA at birth < 37 weeks
- Weight ≥ 1500 g
- Post menstrual Age ≥ 34 weeks
- Tube fed
- Expected tube feeding minimum 7 days.
App
- Videoconferencing
- Messaging
- Monitoring
Intervention: At least twice a week, a videoconference between a nurse and at least one parent was conducted. The nurses monitored infant growth by the growth data parents entered in the app. Options for videoconferences and chat messages between the NICU nurses and parents.
Duration: Until discharge
Add on: +
Control group: Standard care
Clinical effect:
- In-NICO bed days ↓
- Total cost per patient ↓
- GA≤34 weeks↓
- GA > 34 weeks →
Patient safety: NA
Patient experiences: NA
Staff experiences: NA
Investment:
Staff resources
- Developing app
- Training staff
Equipment/Materials
- Tablets
Running:
Staff resources
- Video conferencing
Organization:
- Integration in EPJ
Health care utilization:
- In-NICO bed days ↓
- Total cost per patient ↓