Cost-benefit analysis on the use of telemedicine program of Kosova for continuous medical education: a sustainable and efficient model to rebuild medical systems in developing countries.
BACKGROUND
The Ministry of Health of Kosova has recently announced the Telemedicine Program of Kosova (TMPK) as the official institution responsible for managing and coordinating the nation's Long-Distance Continuous Medical Education (CME) program. There are a lack of studies on cost-benefit analysis (CBA) and other economic evaluations of telemedicine programs (TMP), in particular the financial value of CME offered through such a service. In addition, there is lack of prospective studies on Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) of TMP.


OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to conduct a retrospective CBA of prospective data collected at TMPK over a 5-year period (2005-2010) in order to determine the cost benefit as opposed to the alternative method of delivery of this model for developing countries whose healthcare systems are in disarray.


METHODS
We reviewed data on the number of participants in virtual lectures both at the Telemedicine Center of Kosova (TCK) as well as the number of participants at six Regional Telemedicine Centers throughout Kosova, the number of lectures broadcasted, the clinical cases reviewed and transmitted for international consultation, and other quantitative data.


RESULTS
Only in 2009, approximately 2,000 CME certificates were awarded to physicians and nurses of Kosova, 18 international teleconsultations were conducted, 138 videoconferences, lectures, and seminars were held, and there were over 9,000 visitors at the TCK e-library. Data analysis shows that the TMPK has been an efficient mechanism for CME and sustainable model for rebuilding the medical system. TMPK has been successful in offering physicians, nurses, and other medical professions access to electronic information.


CONCLUSIONS
TMP is an efficient mechanism to ensure CME and rebuilding medical systems in developing countries. There is a need for prospective CBA of any TMP and the establishment of M&E programs in any future telemedicine initiatives in developing countries.
International Virtual e-Hospital Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska 99507, USA. laftik@iveh.org
Kalterina
K
Latifi
Ismet
I
Lecaj
Flamur
F
Bekteshi
Erion
E
Dasho
Charles R
CR
Doarn
Ronald C
RC
Merrell
Rifat
R
Latifi
D002017:Budgets / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D018803:Models, Economic; D017146:Models, Organizational; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D015022:Yugoslavia