Does Telecare Reduce the Number of Treatment Days?

This paper analyzes the effect of telecare in reducing the number of days required for the treatment of telecare users. Statistical analysis was conducted on panel data about 400 individuals from 2002 to 2006 in Nishi-aizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Three estimation models were used, namely the Instrument Variable, Instrument Variable Panel, and system GMM (Generalized Method of Moments) methods, both to demonstrate causality and to ensure the robustness of the results. We attempted to reduce sample selection bias in this framework by controlling variables with bias. A negative correlation between outpatient days and telecare use was observed with the former two methods, while the system GMM proved causality for the effect of telecare in reducing the number of outpatient days. Telecare use reduced outpatient days in telecare users by 2.0 days per year. This result is consistent with those of other telecare implementations in the US and the UK.