Early medical abortion by telemedicine in the United Kingdom: A cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the potential cost savings resulting from the introduction of routine early medical abortion at home by telemedicine in the United Kingdom.DesignA cost-effectiveness analysis Setting: United KingdomPopulationWomen in 2020 undergoing early medical abortion provided by three independent abortion providers and two NHS abortion clinics.MethodsComputation of the costs of each abortion procedure and of managing failed or incomplete abortion and haemorrhage requiring blood transfusion.Outcome measuresCost savingsResultsOverall estimated cost savings are £15.80 per abortion undertaken by independent abortion providers representing a saving to the NHS of over £3 million per year. Limited data from NHS services resulted in an estimated average saving of £188.84 per abortion.ConclusionsWere telemedicine EMA to become routine, an increase in the number of women eligible for medical rather than surgical abortion, and a reduction in adverse events resulting from earlier abortion could result in significant cost-savings.Tweetable AbstractEarly medical abortion at home using telemedicine could save the NHS £3 million per year