Multiple-access versus telemedicine home-based sleep apnea testing for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis: a cost-minimization study

Purpose The aim of the present study was to compare two clinical pathways: the multiple-access outpatient pathway versus the telemedicine pathway. Methods The multiple-access outpatient pathway and the telemedicine pathway were both performed with WatchPAT and implemented in a real-life healthcare scenario, adopting a cost-minimization approach. A cost-minimization analysis was undertaken to assess the economic impact of the two alternatives. The cost analyses were performed in euros for the year 2021 adopting the patient, the hospital, and the societal perspectives. Given the chosen perspectives, direct medical costs, direct nonmedical costs, and indirect costs were considered. In addition, a univariate sensitivity analysis was conducted. Results From a hospital perspective, the telemedicine approach was estimated to cost euro49 more than the multiple-access alternative. Considering the patient perspective, the telemedicine approach was estimated to cost euro167 less than the multiple-access pathway. Considering the societal perspective, the telemedicine approach is estimated to cost euro119 less than the multiple-access pathway. Conclusion The adoption of telemedicine home sleep apnea testing could improve the efficiency of the healthcare processes if considering the direct and indirect costs incurred by patients and not only by healthcare providers.