A Cost Analysis of a Remote Home Support Programme for Infants with Major Congenital Heart Disease: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

A Cost Analysis of a Remote Home Support Programme for Infants with Major Congenital Heart Disease: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial Objective: Paediatric cardiology is a highly centralised subspecialty with patients living often living large distances from the tertiary care centre. A tele homecare programme for infants with major congenital heart disease (CHD) was devised to support patients and families during the stressful and vulnerable period following discharge from hospital. This study aimed to describe the costs and potential savings of a telemedicine home support programme for infants with major congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed at a UK tertiary paediatric cardiology centre. Infants with major CHD discharged home were randomized to one of three groups: Two intervention groups (Video support and Telephone support) and one control group (standard care). Patients in the two intervention groups received regular, standardised remote consultations. Video support initially provided by ISDN lines and later by a home broadband (IP) connection. The main outcome measure was a comparison of total cost to NHS of participants including cost of study interventions and health service utilisation.