D&H Guide

DEFINE DESIGN

DEFINE EVALUATION

DESIGN IDEATION

DESIGN EVALUATION

RESOURCES

ABOUT

Economic Outcomes

Assess whether the DHIs are cost-effective, whether the organization and DH users can afford the DHI system, and whether there is a probable return on investment. It refers to the utilization of healthcare resources.

What does healthcare system impact mean?

Healthcare system impact contains one theme and two subthemes. Economic outcomes refer to the cost-effectiveness and healthcare services utilization. In terms of cost- effectiveness, for example, studies report less out-of-pocket expenses for patients due to reduced care and travel costs, and greater time- efficiency due to shorter waiting, travel, and consultation time.

Cost-effectiveness

Indicators

  • Out-of-pocket expenses for patients: care costs, travel costs

  • Time-efficiency of using the DHIs: waiting time, travel time, and consultation time

  • Reduction in overuse of services: printed materials


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Healthcare service utilization

Indicators

  • Duration of consultations

  • Number of hospitals, primary care, and emergency department visits

  • Hospital admissions

  • Hospitalization

  • Proportion of referrals