Journal article
The costs of critical care telemedicine programs: a systematic review and analysis
Chest, Vol.143(1), pp.19-29
01/2013
DOI: 10.1378/chest.11-3031
PMCID: PMC3610592
PMID: 22797291
Abstract
Implementation of telemedicine programs in ICUs (tele-ICUs) may improve patient outcomes, but the costs of these programs are unknown. We performed a systematic literature review to summarize existing data on the costs of tele-ICUs and collected detailed data on the costs of implementing a tele-ICU in a network of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals. We conducted a systematic review of studies published between January 1, 1990, and July 1, 2011, reporting costs of tele-ICUs. Studies were summarized, and key cost data were abstracted. We then obtained the costs of implementing a tele-ICU in a network of seven VHA hospitals and report these costs in light of the existing literature. Our systematic review identified eight studies reporting tele-ICU costs. These studies suggested combined implementation and first year of operation costs for a tele-ICU of $50,000 to $100,000 per monitored ICU-bed. Changes in patient care costs after tele-ICU implementation ranged from a $3,000 reduction to a $5,600 increase in hospital cost per patient. VHA data suggested a cost for implementation and first year of operation of $70,000 to $87,000 per ICU-bed, depending on the depreciation methods applied. The cost of tele-ICU implementation is substantial, and the impact of these programs on hospital costs or profits is unclear. Until additional data become available, clinicians and administrators should carefully weigh the clinical and economic aspects of tele-ICUs when considering investing in this technology.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The costs of critical care telemedicine programs: a systematic review and analysis
- Creators
- Gaurav Kumar - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsDerik M Falk - Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Health, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IARobert S Bonello - Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MNJeremy M Kahn - University of PittsburghEli Perencevich - University of Iowa, Internal MedicinePeter Cram - University of Iowa, Internal Medicine
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Chest, Vol.143(1), pp.19-29
- Publisher
- United States
- DOI
- 10.1378/chest.11-3031
- PMID
- 22797291
- PMCID
- PMC3610592
- ISSN
- 1931-3543
- eISSN
- 1931-3543
- Grant note
- K23HL082650 / NHLBI NIH HHS K23 HL082650 / NHLBI NIH HHS K23 RR01997201 / NCRR NIH HHS I01 HX000261 / HSRD VA
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/2013
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9983779288002771
Metrics
23 Record Views