title: The cost-effectiveness of telehealth in metropolitan hospitals.
abstract: We established a telehealth link between two inner-city health services about 10 km apart. The video-link between the sites was based on IP videoconferencing; ISDN connections were maintained as a form of system redundancy and to connect to sites beyond the local area network. The cost of a conventional consultation, in which the patient travelled to an outpatient appointment, was A$170. Because existing equipment and telecommunications could be used, the cost of a telehealth consultation was only A$74. During the study approximately 15 teleconsultations were completed and a number of patient transfers were cancelled because they were deemed clinically unnecessary. The preliminary results suggest that the cost-savings from telehealth can be substantial. In addition there were major benefits to continuity of patient care and clinical communication within the organization.
authors.affiliation: Bayside e-Health, The Alfred, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Sharon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Kitt
authors.forename: Lexie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Clayton