NHS England | n.d. | Case study: virtual wards empower the people we care for in east Kent
This case study published by NHS England, outlines how virtual wards empower the people we care for in east Kent. The region is a coastal area which has traditionally attracted retirees, meaning healthcare services provide services in locations with a higher frailty need than much of the UK.
Clinicians in Kent are supporting people living with frailty in their own home, through a frailty Hospital at Home virtual ward.
Summary
Our frailty Hospital at Home virtual ward was set up in response to COVID-19, to help people living with frailty avoid going to hospital.
By October 2021:
- We saw 3,721 patients
- We had 200 referrals on average each month
- We helped 90 per cent of patients stay at home
- 45 per cent of our assessments were virtual (higher during COVID peaks)
- 7 per cent of our patients were readmitted to our virtual ward.
Our top tips for setting up a virtual ward:
- You can undertake a good virtual assessment of the patient in their own home, often supported by the paramedic team or a patient's family
- A daily morning multidisciplinary team meeting is vital to make sure the team know what's going on and learn from each other
- We all had to learn new skills
- Don't just buy point-of-care testing equipment without spending time learning the quality control and protocols
- Virtual assessments using video technology work well for frailty assessments and reviews
- Make sure you have a really good way to run a caseload
- Pharmacy support is essential
- Hold a steady nerve, especially if you are doing what the person wants
Full case study available from NHS England
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