Tool for cost-effectiveness analysis in teleradiology

摘要

Abstract: Although several studies have demonstrated the feasibility of teleradiology its cost- effectiveness has not yet been proven but is a prerequisite for wide acceptance and routine use in the medical environment. Thus, our aim is to develop a tool for cost-effectiveness analysis of radiological remote expert consultation and other teleradiological applications. The overall objective of the cost-effectiveness analysis tool is to provide the user with a detailed and comprehensive overview on the costs and benefits associated with the teleradiological application under consideration. A recommendation on the cost-effectiveness of a particular application should be given, and, if possible, an identification of superior alternative(s). The tool comprises several modules for data input, cost analysis, analysis of benefits, cost- effectiveness evaluation, and sensitivity analysis. It is applied in the EC project TELEMED (R1086) for the economic assessment of the pan-European teleradiological application pilot `Remote Expert Consultation.' Simulating costs and benefits of these and other teleradiology applications yields essential information for future routine use of teleradiology. !15