Objective
The study aimed to understand the cost-effectiveness of ‘iSupport’, an e-health program designed to help caregivers of people with dementia. E-health solutions are popular because they are easy to access and inexpensive, but we need more information on their financial benefits.
Study Design
This research was a cost-consequence analysis conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial involving participants from England, Wales, and Scotland. The study focused on the costs and health outcomes of the iSupport program compared to regular care.
Participants
A total of 352 caregivers participated in the study. They were unpaid caregivers who had been caring for someone with dementia for at least six months. The average age of participants was around 62-63 years.
Main Findings
The results showed no significant difference in overall health quality between the two groups. However, the caregivers using iSupport had lower costs related to health and social care compared to those receiving standard care. Specifically, the iSupport group saved an average of £146 in resource use costs over six months.
Conclusion
Using iSupport can help reduce costs for caregivers compared to traditional care. While this e-health solution shows promise in lowering expenses, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Opportunities for Clinics and Patients
- Define Measurable Outcomes: Set clear goals for what you want to achieve with e-health interventions.
- Select AI Tools: Choose AI solutions that meet specific clinical needs based on the findings from the trial.
- Implement Step by Step: Start with a small pilot project and track results using AI tools to assess real-world impact.
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