STAR-C-TELEMEDICINE: COST ANALYSIS

Abstract

STAR-C is an 8-week intervention designed to facilitate coping for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). STAR-C has been shown to significantly reduce caregiver burden and depression and improve care-recipient quality of life. However, STAR-C is provided to caregivers in their homes, through one-on-one sessions with a trainer. The cost of travel to caregivers’ homes limits dissemination, thus a more sustainable alternative is needed. As part of a feasibility analysis, we aimed to identify the costs of a direct-to-home, videoconferencing STAR-C option (STAR-C-Telemedicine (TM)) when compared to the traditional in-home method. We examined the costs of STAR-C-TM for 14 caregivers from Oregon and Washington who were enrolled in a pilot study (STAR-C-TM: Accessible Caregiver Support). These costs were compared to the potential costs of STAR-C if these caregivers received the traditional STAR-C intervention. A cost-effectiveness analysis was provided to determine the amount of savings the telemedicine training offered. The cost effectiveness analysis found that the STAR-C-TM trainings saved an average of $200 per participant ($827.00 vs $626.59). Savings were mostly generated from the removal of travel time needed to get to caregivers in rural areas of the two states. This study offers promising options for a sustainable alternative to the in-person STAR-C intervention. Providing support to caregivers using telemedicine can be cost-effective. Further research will explore the efficacy of STAR-C-TM to evaluate if this cost-effective modality also offers meaningful support.