Savings Through Telemedicine: Initial Data From a Hospital-at-Home Program

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to estimate travel-related time and cost savings from the use of telemedicine for an inpatient hospital-at-home program.

Methods: This was a retrospective study on the initial data obtained from a newly implemented hospital-at-home program from June 26, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Time cost savings were calculated based on difference between time spent on teleconsultation versus time needed to travel a round trip to patients' homes to conduct physical consultation via home visit. Travel distances were calculated based on the distance of patient's homes from the hospital.

Results: There were 505 teleconsultations (497 scheduled, 8 unscheduled) delivered throughout 132 enrollments. Total travel distance saved was 4022 km. Total time savings was 18 707 minutes or 13.0 days. Total trip cost savings were Singapore dollars 4618.70.

Conclusions: Despite being a newly introduced program, utilization of telemedicine in delivery of hospital-at-home showed time savings for the clinicians, cost savings from the distance needed to travel otherwise. Incorporation of telemedicine in hospital-at-home delivery demonstrated time and distance savings even at the pilot phase of program.

Keywords: cost savings; distance savings; hospital-at-home; telehealth; telemedicine.