Program of home telemonitoring in patients with cystic fibrosis over a period of 2 years: a contribution to the rationalization of care.

Abstract

In present study we tested the possible presence of a saving for Italian National Health Service (INHS) when using telemonitoring in the follow-up at home of patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), in the aim to assess the possible role of Telemedicine in rationalization of hospital admissions. We performed an economic analysis of the costs incurred by the INHS for patients with CF followed at home by telemonitoring, recalled to hospital under suspicion or diagnosis of acute pulmonary recurrence. We calculated, for 19 patients retrieved in the period of the study, a total saving compared to traditional home care of € 132.144,91 in 24 months, corresponding to € 3.303,62/year/patient. The presence of an economic advantage for the INHS is confirmed once again, although not significant. The data from this study are encouraging regarding the possible role of telemedicine in the organization of homecare of CF patients.