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Cost analysis of a speech pathology synchronous telepractice service for patients with head and neck cancer
Author(s) -
Burns Clare L.,
Kularatna Sanjeewa,
Ward Elizabeth C.,
Hill Anne J.,
Byrnes Joshua,
Kenny Lizbeth M.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.24916
Subject(s) - medicine , referral , reimbursement , service (business) , quality of life (healthcare) , head and neck , intervention (counseling) , head and neck cancer , telerehabilitation , family medicine , telemedicine , health care , physical therapy , cancer , nursing , surgery , business , marketing , economics , economic growth
Background The purpose of this study is to report the economic outcomes of a new synchronous telepractice service providing speech pathology intervention to patients with head and neck cancer at nonmetropolitan facilities. Methods A multisite randomized controlled trial comparing standard care versus a new synchronous telepractice model was conducted within a large Australian public cancer service. Data pertaining to health service costs (staff wages, equipment, and patient travel reimbursement), patient +/‐ carer costs (travel and wages), and patient‐reported quality of life (Assessment of Quality of Life questionnaire 4D) were collected. Results Eighty‐two referrals (39 standard care and 43 synchronous telepractice care) were managed. The new telepractice service reported average cost savings of 12% ( P < .0058) for the health service and $40.05 saving per patient per referral. An equivalent positive increase in quality of life (0.04) was reported for both groups. Conclusion The synchronous telepractice service provides cost efficiencies over standard care for providing remote specialist speech pathology head and neck cancer intervention.