Comparison Between In-Office Versus Remote Follow-Up Costs in Patients with Pacemakers and Reimbursed Transportation in a Portuguese District Hospital.

Background

Digital technologies can contribute to healthcare democratization in an ethical, safe, and sustainable context. The remote monitoring of implantable cardiac devices enables the follow-up of patients from a distance. Patients with anti-bradycardia pacemakers represent the largest group and have the least access to this technology due to the controversial cost-benefit ratio and barriers to its widespread implementation, such as equipment costs and organizational challenges. In contrast, reimbursed transportation in Portugal reached approximately 82 million euros in 2024.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to assess the financial viability of remote pacemaker follow-up in a Portuguese district hospital, comparing the non-urgent transportation costs and the investment in remote monitoring equipment while measuring user acceptance and satisfaction.

Methods

A total of 41 surveys were conducted with patients who received a pacemaker and used publicly reimbursed transportation. The projected costs were calculated for two simulated protocols: the first involved in-person visits every six months, while the second involved in-person visits every two years with remote consultations every six months, over the expected lifespan of the devices. EZR, version 1.61, was used.

Results

Our data showed a 74% overall reduction in face-to-face visits. The implementation of remote follow-up would result in a cost saving of EUR 373/patient (21.2%), with total reimbursement (p = 0.01151). The savings increased to 33.3%, reaching EUR 764/patient (p = 0.0002742) for distances greater than 60 km (round trip) for ambulance users with total reimbursement. Acceptance and satisfaction achieved 88%.

Conclusions

Remote monitoring of pacemakers can be a financially viable alternative with high acceptance and satisfaction.