Hospital-standard care for patients in the comfort of their own homes

A NEW Virtual Ward in University Hospital Limerick which uses technology to provide patient care at home has saved more than 2,000 inpatient bed days since its introduction last summer.

A total of 325 patients have been cared for at the Virtual Ward since July 1, using technology to link them with UHL for monitoring two to three times daily - and in the process freeing up 2,053 bed-days for hospital treatment of more acutely ill inpatients.

“For us, the Virtual Ward is about more than diverting patients away from the hospital—ultimately it’s about ensuring high quality care in your home, enabled by technology. This new model of care empowers our patients through increased knowledge about their health and self-management of their conditions,” said Patricia O’Gorman, Nurse and Midwifery Informatics Officer, who led the implementation of the Virtual Ward at UHL.

Patients referred from the hospital’s ED, Acute Medical Assessment Unit and medical wards receive a full technology kit, including a tablet and medical diagnostic equipment. At home, this equipment links the patient with a central hub in UHL, allowing for 24/7 monitoring. Average length of stay on the UHL Virtual Ward is 6.6 days.

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Jesna Jose, Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM2) on the Virtual Ward, said:

“Patients are telling us that they much prefer being treated in the comfort of their own homes rather than spending days in the hospital, and that they feel not only supported, but also better able to manage their conditions at home.”

Acute virtual wards have been pioneered in Ireland by UHL and St Vincent’s hospitals initially for patients with cardiology and respiratory conditions. The initial success at UHL has driven expansion of the referral pathways to include patients in general medicine including flu/covid-19; minor stroke /TIA ; rehab; asthma; supplementary oxygen; and a respiratory pathway for St John’s Hospital. Discussions are ongoing to build pathways in orthopaedic post-operative knee and hip (with Croom Orthopaedic Hospital); gynaecology; and colorectal.

The Virtual Ward was implemented in collaboration with HSE National Strategic Programmes and eHealth offices, and in partnership with European virtual ward specialists Doccla.

Eight months on from implementation at UHL, anecdotal patient feedback has been secured through an evaluation facilitated by UCD. Patricia O’Gorman explained: “That study reports numerous benefits to patients, including nutrition, reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections, safe care, empowerment and increased knowledge of their conditions. The patients themselves reported feelings of safety, trust and improved self-management, while also valuing the responsiveness of our staff in the hub at UHL.”