2003 Volume 23 Issue 4 Pages 293-302
In order to evaluate the cost and effect quantitatively in the feasibility study of deploying video-conferencing systems in prefectural medical associations, we developed and applied a cost-effect model to Hokkaido Medical Association (HMA). We introduced a typical model specification for the videoconferencing systems and evaluated the effect by the reduction of the distance and time of transportation, assuming some fixed replacement ratios, which indicate what ratio of the existing meetings is to be replaced by the videoconferences. As for the cost, we evaluated the accumulated cost savings for several consecutive years in terms of the following five parameters: the travel expenses, the travel expense reduction factor, the initial system construction cost, the communications charge, and the replacement ratio. As the result, we obtained the estimate that the accumulated cost savings would exceed the system construction and operation cost in two (three) years if the replacement ratio is 100% (50%). We conclude that the deployment of videoconferencing systems to HMA is desirable from the cost-effect perspectives.
