Question

Formulate a cost-benefit analysis for care at a distance, prevention and selfmanagement by the patient.

Answer 1

Ans) The increasing global health expenditure positions primary care to use digital health technologies to manage chronic disease and deliver cost-effective personalized and preventive care.

- Recent advancements in telehealth and big data technologies that have the potentials to move primary care services to smart environments. We adopt the smart environment concept to propose our conceptual model for a Smart Primary Care Environment (SPCE).

- Interactive video telehealth technology may improve glycemic control through improved access to quality care. Patient empowerment and self-care management through DSME also may be improved. Diabetes care provided through video telemedicine may offer laboratory monitoring, medication adjustment, and comprehensive physical exams through high-definition cameras and connective equipment for retinal imaging and other specialty care.

- Various models using multidisciplinary teams of PCPs, endocrinologists, pharmacists, NPs, nurses, CDEs, and RDs may be implemented depending on the specific needs and resources of the rural practices and communities involved. Patients using telehealth in rural areas have expressed high satisfaction rates resulting from improved access to specialty care, reduced costs, and enhanced convenience. PCPs have also expressed satisfaction with the technology’s ability to provide resources for both professional development and patient care management.

- Standard telehealth guidelines for safe, effective practice; appropriate reimbursement for various telehealth models; and information regarding costs and benefits of the technology for health care systems are evident gaps in the current literature. To advance the promotion and increase the acceptability of this technology, more research on these issues will be needed.