Home Telemonitoring Technology for Patients With Heart Failure: Cost-Consequence Analysis of a Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Heart failure (HF) is a costly health condition and a major public health problem. It is estimated that 2%-3% of the population in developed countries has HF, and the prevalence increases to 8% among patients aged ≥75 years. Home telemonitoring is a form of noninvasive, remote patient monitoring that aims to improve the care and management of patients with chronic HF. Telehealth for Emergency-Community Continuity of Care Connectivity via Home-Telemonitoring (TEC4Home) is a project that implements and evaluates a comprehensive home monitoring protocol designed to support patients with HF as they transition from the emergency department to home. Objective The aim of this study is to assess the cost of using the home monitoring platform (TEC4Home) relative to usual care for patients with HF. Methods This study is a cost-consequence analysis of the TEC4Home pilot study. The analysis was conducted from a partial societal perspective, including direct and indirect health care costs. The aim is to assess the costs of the home monitoring platform relative to usual care and track costs related to health care utilization during the 90-day postdischarge period. Results Economic analysis of the TEC4Home pilot study showed a positive trend in cost savings for patients using TEC4Home. From both the health system perspective (Pre TEC4Home cost per patient: CAD $2924 vs post TEC4Home cost per patient: CAD $1293; P=.01) and partial societal perspective (Pre TEC4Home cost per patient: CAD $2411 vs post TEC4Home cost per patient: CAD $1108; P=.01), we observed a statistically significant cost saving per patient. Conclusions In line with the advantages of conducting an economic analysis alongside a feasibility study, the economic analysis of the TEC4Home pilot study facilitated the piloting of patient questionnaires and informed the methodology for a full clinical trial.