Economic evaluation of passive monitoring technology for seniors

BACKGROUND: Advances such as passive monitoring technology (PMT), which provides holistic supervision of chronically ill and elderly patients, enable and support improved monitoring and observation, thus empowering the growing population of older adults to live more independently while lowering health care expenses. AIMS: This study develops a conceptual model to estimate the potential savings associated with PMT. METHODS: We first develop a conceptual model to identify the main cost variables associated with independent living, focusing on three pathways: (1) PMT, (2) independent living supported by the current standard of care, and (3) facility-based care. We examined the impact on three outcomes [i.e., health care costs, institutional costs, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)] along each of the three care pathways (i.e., PMT, independent living supported by the standard of care, and facility-based care) and developed a cost-benefit model to calculate the net costs and benefits associated with each care pathway. RESULTS: The cost–benefit model showed savings between approximately $425 per-member per-month (PMPM) for those using PMT compared to those on the standard of care pathway. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that a 5% increase in nursing home utilization generates cost savings of more than 30% PMPM. DISCUSSION: The total projected cost savings for individuals on the PMT arm are projected to be more than $425 PMPM, with annual savings of $5069 per-person per-year, and over $5.1 million for a target population of 1000 individuals. CONCLUSIONS: The cost calculations in our cost–benefit simulation model clearly demonstrate the value of PMT and show the potential value to payers and integrated delivery systems in offering PMT to individuals who are likely to benefit the most from the services. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s40520-019-01323-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.