Objectives: We attempted to quantify the cost-effectiveness ratio in telemonitoring lung function of patients affected by Cystic Fibrosis (CF).
Materials and methods: We examined the costs of Telehomecare (THC) in the follow-up of CF patients. We considered the failed hospitalizations as incomes. A standardized questionnaire was submitted by e-mail to verify the patient satisfaction and expectation levels. We studied 3 groups of patients: a) 17 CF patients in THC; b) 28 CF patients not followed by THC and c) 28 non-CF patients affected by chronic diseases and not followed by THC. Some parameters with no market value were evaluated using "willingness to pay" (WTP).
Results: An annual saving of €.5241 was calculated for single FC patient followed by THC. The WTP analysis showed that patients affected by chronic diseases expected very much from new technologies.
Conclusions: The THC use in CF shows several advantages as fewer hospitalization and economical saving in a general trend of limited economical resources. Further studies are needed to confirm our data.