Table 2 Cost comparison between ECHO-ONMH and an in-person Toronto-based conference
Factors | Conference in Toronto | ECHO-ONMH | Notes for calculations |
|---|---|---|---|
Total participants | 408 | 408 | 408 total ECHO participants across four cycles (i.e. attended ≥ 1 session) Same number of participants used in order to compare two cases appropriately |
Total registration cost per person | $2222.64 | N/A | Average registration cost per CME conference hour per person = $30.87; $30.87/h × 72 h = $2222.64 for 72 h of conference CME No registration cost for ECHO-ONMH |
Total average cost of travel per person | $442.81 | N/A | Average cost estimated by taking total distance from participant organization site to and from Toronto, reimbursed at $0.41/Km |
Total average cost for accommodations per person | $2700.00 | N/A | $300/night × 9 nights = $2700 for hotel cost No hotel cost for ECHO-ONMH |
Total cost of video camera per person | N/A | $53.13 | Logitech video camera with built-in mic: $39.99 USD = $53.13 CAD (converted 23 June 2020) as per product page on Logitech website at time of writing No video camera needed for conference |
Total operational/admin programme cost per person | N/A | $3528.00 | Total programme cost per CME hour (as per programme funding agreement) = $360,429/72 h = $5005.95 Average of 102 people per session = $49 per CME hour $49/h × 72 total CME hours per person = $3528 Our assumption is that programme cost for conferences is built into the cost that the participant pays for registrations so it was not applicable in this line |
Total cost for 72 CME hours per person | $5365.45 | $3581.00 | $1784 difference in cost per person, per year |
Total cost per CME hour | $75.00 | $50 | $25 difference per CME hour |
Total cost all participants | $2,189,104 | $1,461,048 | Total cost savings per 408-attendee CME learning programme = $728,056 |