Cost-Effectiveness of Telemedicine in Remote Orthopedic Consultations: Randomized Controlled Trial.
Source: Buvik et al. 2019 - Pubmed ID: 30777845
Setting: Norway, University hospital
RCT
Follow up: 12 months after the last consultation
Sample size:
Total: 402 (389)
IG: 199(44)
CG: 190 (143)
Inclusion criteria:
- Orthopedic patients
Video consultations (Cisco TelePresence System and digitalized radiography)
- Data transfer of X-rays
- Monitoring:
– Wounds
– Progress
– Treatment
Intervention: Consultation between nurse and patient at a remote location and an orthopedic surgeon at the clinic. Orthopedic surgeon and radiologist registers in the records. Surgeon navigates the camera to see wound or moving abilities. X-rays taken at the remote clinic
Duration: 2 weeks after surgery to last consultation
Add on: NA
Control group: Usual care
Clinical effect:
- QALY’s gained per patient→
Patient safety: NA
Patient experience:
- Travel costs↓
- Travel time↓
- Transportation facilities→
- Sick leave→
- Accompanying relatives→
- Production loss (full or part time)↓
Staff experience: NA
Investment:
Equipment
- Cisco TelePresence System
- Extra computer and printer at the center
Staff
- 5 orthopedic surgeon trained in technical assistance
- 2 nurses from the remote clinic trained in technical equipment and clinical examination
Running:
Staff
- Remote consultation
- Clinical diagnosis
- Technical support
Organization:
- Remote nurse do the examinations
- Development of new skills
- Collaboration between hospital and primary care
Health care utilization: NA