COST EVALUATION OF A TELEPSYCHIATRY SERVICE IN NORTHERN QUEENSLAND

Citation
P. Trott et I. Blignault, COST EVALUATION OF A TELEPSYCHIATRY SERVICE IN NORTHERN QUEENSLAND, Journal of telemedicine and telecare, 4, 1998, pp. 66-68
Citations number
4
Categorie Soggetti
Health Care Sciences & Services
ISSN journal
1357633X
Volume
4
Year of publication
1998
Supplement
1
Pages
66 - 68
Database
ISI
SICI code
1357-633X(1998)4:<66:CEOATS>2.0.ZU;2-V
Abstract
We conducted a simple comparison of the costs associated with deliveri ng a mental health service by telepsychiatry and by conventional metho ds. The telepsychiatry rural outreach service was delivered to a minin g town 900 km from the regional hospital in Townsville. When the telem edicine service was well established, 40 cases a month were seen for g eneral adult psychiatry, four for child and adolescent mental health, four for psychology and two for forensic services. Costs and quality-o f-life issues were considered. The savings to the health authority wer e estimated to be $85,380 in the first year and $112,790 in subsequent years, not allowing for maintenance and equipment upgrading. We also estimated a 40% reduction in patient transfers due to the introduction of telemedicine. Based on the previous year's figures of 27 transfers at $8920 each, this would produce an annual saving of $96,336 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The results of the study showed consider able savings from reduced travel by patients and health-care workers.