Cost Analysis of Telemedicine vs. In-Person Consultations of Stroke Patients in Primary Healthcare

Subhan Ali  Gondal; Muhammad Adnan  Yousaf; Shoukat  Hayat; Hammad  Ahmad; Suhail  Karim; Sara Sabir

doi:10.63516/

Authors

Subhan Ali Gondal Ikram Hospital, Gujrat, Pakistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4879-296X
Muhammad Adnan Yousaf Bashir Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Shoukat Hayat Isra University, Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Hammad Ahmad Bashir Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Suhail Karim SK Physio & Aesthetic Clinic, Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Sara Sabir Iqra University, Chak Shahzad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63516/

Keywords:

Cost-effectiveness, Pakistan, Primary healthcare, Stroke, Telemedicine

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the perceived costs and feasibility of telemedicine consultations, compared with in-person consultations among patients with stroke, in primary healthcare settings in Pakistan. The study aimed to assess the potential costs and time savings to provide evidence-based information to inform decisions for the implementation of telemedicine in a low-resource environment.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey design was used, involving a convenience sample of 30 stroke patients recruited from Al Nafees Medical College and Hospital, Islamabad, and Ikram Hospital, Gujrat. Data was collected through a structured survey which captured patient demographics, patient clinical characteristics, cost of in-person consultations, technology access, and perceived costs of telemedicine consultations. Independent t-tests were used to compare mean costs and time differences between in-person and telemedicine consultation models. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Findings: The average total cost of an in-person consultation was PKR 7,440±2,680, while telemedicine was estimated to cost around PKR 1,200 ± 480, representing an average cost saving of PKR 6,240 ± 2,300 (p< 0.001). In addition, telemedicine consultations reduced consultation time from 6.8±3.2 hours to 1.2±0.6 hours (p< 0.001). The vast majority of families (93.3%) felt that telemedicine would be both time and cost-efficient, with particularly strong support from families residing in rural areas, who faced higher travel and overnight accommodation costs.

Originality: Findings from the study revealed that telemedicine may increase equity in access to services for patients, and will reduce the economic burden on families, while increasing access to services, which presents a strong rationale for its inclusion in national stroke management systems low- and middle-income countries.

Author Biographies

Subhan Ali Gondal, Ikram Hospital, Gujrat, Pakistan

Senior Physiotherapist, HOD Physiotherapy Department
Muhammad Adnan Yousaf, Bashir Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan

Associate Professor
Shoukat Hayat, Isra University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Assistant Professor, Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, Alnafees Medical College
Hammad Ahmad, Bashir Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan

Associate Professor/Principal Pharmacy
Suhail Karim, SK Physio & Aesthetic Clinic, Islamabad, Pakistan

Consultant Physiotherapist
Sara Sabir, Iqra University, Chak Shahzad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan

Student

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