COST ESTIMATE FOR THE MONTHLY SET UP AND OPERATION OF A TELECONSULTATION ROOM

HIGHLIGHTS

1. It is feasible and possible to reproduce teleconsultation in the health network

2. The study enables discussions about the implementation of teleconsultation.

3. Teleconsultation improves the quality of care and optimizes resources.

ABSTRACT

Objective:

to estimate the cost of setting up and monthly operation of a teleconsultation room.

Method:

descriptive study, carried out by means of a survey of direct and indirect costs for setting up and monthly operation of a teleconsultation room in Niterói - RJ - BR. The data analysis was based on discrimination of the type and quantity of equipment needed to set up the room; and on budgets obtained through research in public tenders and commercial stores. To estimate the running costs, the following were considered: monthly electric power consumption; costs with telephone network, materials, and supplies; and with nurses.

Results:

the minimum cost to set up the room was R$14,904.17 reais. The average monthly cost for 30 hours per week with three nurses was R$14,706.95.

Conclusion:

it is believed that teleconsultation can improve access to health care, quality of care and reduce costs related to the health system.

DESCRIPTORS:
Telenursing; Nursing; Nursing Care; Information Technology; Technology Assessment; Biomedical.