The potential of telemedicine in alleviating out-of-pocket costs for oncological patients in the Brazilian public healthcare system

ABSTRACT

Despite the absence of data regarding direct costs for healthcare, oncological patients from the Brazilian Unified Public Healthcare System often face significant financial burden due to out-of-pocket costs associated with their treatment. These costs include expenses for transportation, meals, non-covered medications, and the time spent on medical visits, tests, and treatments. This paper used data previously collected from two studies conducted with oncological patients in different regions of Brazil. These studies evaluated out-of-pocket costs incurred by the patients when receiving care through the Brazilian Unified Public Healthcare System. We estimated that by removing transportation-related costs, OPC would be reduced by 62% (95%CI: 57%-67%) in the southeast region and 60% (95%CI: 56%-64%) in the northeast region. This reduction was statistically significant in both regions (p<0.0001). We conclude that substituting regular face-to-face visits with telemedicine, whenever possible, can significantly decrease OPC for patients and potentially contribute to higher treatment adherence among underserved populations.

RESUMO

Apesar da ausência de dados sobre custos diretos para a saúde, os pacientes oncológicos do Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil muitas vezes enfrentam encargos financeiros significativos devido aos custos indiretos associados ao seu tratamento. Esses custos incluem despesas com transporte, alimentação, medicamentos não cobertos e tempo gasto em consultas médicas, exames e tratamentos. Este artigo utilizou dados previamente coletados de dois estudos realizados com pacientes oncológicos em diferentes regiões do Brasil. Esses estudos avaliaram os custos indiretos incorridos pelos pacientes ao serem atendidos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Estimamos que, ao eliminar os custos relacionados ao transporte, o custo indireto seria reduzido em 62% (IC95%: 57%-67%) na região Sudeste e em 60% (IC95%: 56%-64%) na região Nordeste. Essa redução foi estatisticamente significativa em ambas as regiões (p<0,0001). Concluímos que a substituição de visitas presenciais regulares pela telemedicina, sempre que possível, pode diminuir significativamente o custo indireto para os pacientes e potencialmente contribuir para uma maior adesão ao tratamento entre as populações carentes.

Keywords:

Telemedicine - Cancer care facilities - Health expenditures - Unified health system - Economics - Pharmaceutical

Descritores:

Telemedicina - Instalações de tratamento do câncer - Despesas com saúde - Sistema único de saúde - Economia - Farmacêutica

Publication History

Received: 12 July 2023

Accepted: 01 August 2023

Article published online:
19 October 2023

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