L S Abi-Saab1, B H S Meirelles2, M L O Demo3. 1. Dermatology Service, Hospital Universitário Polyodoro Ernani de São Thiago, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil. Electronic address: leoabisa@yahoo.com.br. 2. Department of Nursing - Health Informatics Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina - UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil. Electronic address: betina.hsm@ufsc.br. 3. Department of Medicine, South Santa Catarina University - Unisul, Tubarão, Brazil. Electronic address: maria.demo@unisul.br.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: In locations with poor public dermatology services, teledermatology emerges as a viable way to fill this need. Thus, the aim was to estimate how much could be saved with the use of teledermatology in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, from 2015 to 2018. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study of the analytical type with a cross-sectional design and collection of secondary data in electronic media. METHODS: A total of 95,828 teledermatology test protocols from the period were evaluated. The amount that would be necessary to refer all the patients of the several regions of the state for evaluation by General Dermatology (secondary network) was estimated, as it occurred before the deployment of teledermatology, considering the cost of displacement, consultation with a specialist, cost aid and opportunity cost of patients and companions. This amount was compared with the amount effectively spent on the screening deployment via teledermatology. RESULTS: There was a minimum savings of $1,170,550.82 during the period, with an average cost savings of $21.94 per protocol not forwarded to the secondary network. The greater the distance and time spent to evaluate the patient by a specialist, the greater the savings. CONCLUSIONS: Teledermatology provides savings in public resources, reduces the number of patient referrals, and improves the dermatological assistance provided to the population of Santa Catarina. This is a relevant and efficient health technology.
OBJECTIVES: In locations with poor public dermatology services, teledermatology emerges as a viable way to fill this need. Thus, the aim was to estimate how much could be saved with the use of teledermatology in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, from 2015 to 2018. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study of the analytical type with a cross-sectional design and collection of secondary data in electronic media. METHODS: A total of 95,828 teledermatology test protocols from the period were evaluated. The amount that would be necessary to refer all the patients of the several regions of the state for evaluation by General Dermatology (secondary network) was estimated, as it occurred before the deployment of teledermatology, considering the cost of displacement, consultation with a specialist, cost aid and opportunity cost of patients and companions. This amount was compared with the amount effectively spent on the screening deployment via teledermatology. RESULTS: There was a minimum savings of $1,170,550.82 during the period, with an average cost savings of $21.94 per protocol not forwarded to the secondary network. The greater the distance and time spent to evaluate the patient by a specialist, the greater the savings. CONCLUSIONS: Teledermatology provides savings in public resources, reduces the number of patient referrals, and improves the dermatological assistance provided to the population of Santa Catarina. This is a relevant and efficient health technology.