Interactive Video Aids Home Care

A study has found that substituting interactive video sessions for up to half of a visiting nurse's in-home meetings can be a cost-effective way to provide care for post-surgical or chronically ill patients. The study was conducted by researchers from Pennsylvania State University (University Park, USA) and the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, USA).

The study involved a group of 171 diabetic patients discharged from the hospital and referred to a home health-care agency. Half of the patients were randomly assigned to receive a patient telecommunications station in their homes while the remaining patients received traditional in-home nursing visits. The patient station included a computer and monitor equipped with two-way voice capability and a video camera. A blood pressure cuff and stethoscope were also attached to the computer.

Using the patient station, which works over ordinary phone lines, the patient could see and talk with the nurses. The system also allowed the nurses to see and hear the patients and to take temperature and blood pressure measurements, listen to heart and lung sounds, and discuss diet and blood sugar results. The patients who used the telecommunications system scored higher on positive outcomes of treatment, had fewer rehospitalizations, and had fewer visits to emergency rooms.

While the new approach imposes additional initial expenses for care delivery, it contributes substantial savings without compromising the quality of care. The research team found that over a typical 60 days of care, savings of US$300 per patient could be achieved by substituting video visits for seven in-home visits, and $700 per patient would be saved by substituting video visits for half of the in-home visits.




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