BUDGETARY EFFICIENCY OF TELEMEDICINE IMPLEMENTATION IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Abstract
This article substantiates approaches to assessing the budget impact of implementing telemedicine in the healthcare system of Ukraine under conditions of limited resources, increasing pressure on primary healthcare, and war-related disruptions in access to medical services. It reveals the role of telemedicine as a tool for organizational and financial optimization of healthcare delivery and highlights its importance in improving accessibility and continuity of care. The study determines the significance of Budget Impact Analysis (BIA) as an analytical instrument for supporting evidence-based managerial decision-making and evaluating the financial consequences of healthcare innovations. The conceptual foundations for applying the BIA approach are proposed, taking into account the prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases, the need for long-term ambulatory care, as well as implementation costs and potential savings associated with telemedicine. These include investments in digital infrastructure, software, and training, alongside economic benefits driven by early diagnosis, reduced burden on healthcare personnel, and decreased frequency of in-person visits. The feasibility of integrating telemedicine services into primary healthcare practice and the prospects for their scaling in the context of post-war recovery are justified. Particular attention is paid to the role of institutional and financial mechanisms, including the function of the National Health Service of Ukraine and tariff policy, in shaping the outcomes of telemedicine implementation. The findings confirm that telemedicine should be considered not only as a technological innovation but also as an effective organizational and economic tool that enhances the efficiency of resource utilization and strengthens the resilience of the healthcare system. The study also outlines key methodological steps of BIA, including defining the target population and comparing alternative care scenarios. It emphasizes the importance of forecasting healthcare expenditures. The results have practical policy relevance.
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