Manuscript : Cost-Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring Systems – Current Evidence and Directions for Future Evaluations

Objectives: This paper aimed to review the current economic evidence of artificial intelligence-assisted continuous vital signs monitoring systems and to examine what (if any) special considerations the use of artificial intelligence technology implies for conducting economic analyses of such systems.Methods: A systematic literature search for economic studies of artificial intelligence-assisted continuous vital signs monitoring systems was performed. We searched 11 electronic databases for white literature and 13 sources for grey literature. No date limits were applied. Moreover, we identified a number of considerations for economic evaluation of artificial intelligence-assisted continuous vital signs monitoring systems by comparing the features of such systems with two sets of well-established guidelines for economic evaluation.Results: 1,490 records were screened and one study fulfilled the eligibility criteria. In this study, a cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that a monitoring system with 1-min collection intervals and leveraged by artificial intelligence had a benefit-cost ratio of 13.71 and a payback period of 0.24 years, i.e., the benefits outweighed the costs of implementing and operating the system. Additional necessary special considerations were identified pertaining to study design and comparator, inclusion of development and maintenance costs, impact on workload, costs of additional treatment, and choice of outcome(s).Conclusions: The economic evidence of artificial intelligence-assisted continuous vital signs monitoring systems is sparse. The identified special considerations will likely be equally relevant for similar technologies and researchers of future economic evaluations of artificial intelligence-supported healthcare technologies should pay attention to these dimensions to ensure an appropriate economic assessment