Evaluating the cost of telemonitoring in cardiology from a service provider’s perspective: a case study from Northern Italy...
Author(s)
Paolo Candio, PhD, Caterina Pesci, PhD, Diego Ponte, PhD, Andrea Francesconi, PhD.
Economics and Management, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
Economics and Management, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
Problem Statement: The adoption of digital health solutions, such as telemonitoring in cardiology, holds significant promise for enhancing patient care and system efficiency. However, implementation is highly context-dependent and demands considerable adaptation, including dedicated human and financial resources. Transitioning from traditional in-person monitoring to a fully remote telemonitoring model presents operational and organisational challenges that differ across healthcare settings. Despite growing interest, real-world evidence on the costs associated with such transitions remains limited. Generating this evidence is essential to support informed investment decisions and reduce uncertainty for service providers and policymakers considering the shift to digitally enabled models of care.
Description: This study presents the results of field-based research conducted at a hospital in Rovereto (Northern Italy). Organisational and service-level data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysis of archival documents, in collaboration with the clinical and administrative teams, to inform the estimation of an appropriate tariff level for the telemonitoring service in cardiology.
Lessons Learned: The study shows that the incremental cost of telemonitoring in cardiology is relatively marginal—around €48 per patient per year (assuming a five-year horizon and 1,000 patients). However, key challenges remain, including the apportioning of indirect costs, defining the scope of evaluation, and capturing the organisational context in which the service is embedded. To improve generalisability, it is essential to describe how the provider operates within the wider health system. Rapid technological change and intangible costs complicate estimation, making results time-sensitive. Scenario analysis and forecasting are vital to assess feasibility and guide future digital health investments.
Stakeholder Perspective: A service provider (local hospital) perspective was taken to evaluate the cost of implementing the digital health service.
Description: This study presents the results of field-based research conducted at a hospital in Rovereto (Northern Italy). Organisational and service-level data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysis of archival documents, in collaboration with the clinical and administrative teams, to inform the estimation of an appropriate tariff level for the telemonitoring service in cardiology.
Lessons Learned: The study shows that the incremental cost of telemonitoring in cardiology is relatively marginal—around €48 per patient per year (assuming a five-year horizon and 1,000 patients). However, key challenges remain, including the apportioning of indirect costs, defining the scope of evaluation, and capturing the organisational context in which the service is embedded. To improve generalisability, it is essential to describe how the provider operates within the wider health system. Rapid technological change and intangible costs complicate estimation, making results time-sensitive. Scenario analysis and forecasting are vital to assess feasibility and guide future digital health investments.
Stakeholder Perspective: A service provider (local hospital) perspective was taken to evaluate the cost of implementing the digital health service.
Code
IC2
Topic
Medical Technologies
Topic Subcategory
Digital Health
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory)