The introduction of a virtual COPD ward at Galway University Hospitals (GUH) has saved the hospital more than 200 bed days since it was set up in April, with the average length of stay in virtual care (7.6 days) representing a 35.5 per cent improvement on the inpatient national average.
The GUH COPD virtual care pathway allows patients to remain under the care of their hospital team while being monitored at home.
Patients are equipped with devices such as pulse oximeters to monitor oxygen levels and heart rate. Daily symptoms are reported through the Irish-developed myPatientSpace app. A clinician dashboard displays real-time information on a patient’s condition, alerting medical professionals to changes so they can detect deterioration early and deliver timely care.
The virtual ward is already being used to reduce the length of in-hospital stay for patients who have already been admitted. It is also offered to patients who present to the emergency department with stable COPD exacerbations, avoiding hospital admissions.
Patients who have a COPD diagnosis confirmed by spirometry, live in the Community Healthcare West area, and are within 30 minutes of University Hospital Galway are eligible for the service.
“Patients with COPD require more hospital visits, but with this new pathway, we are already seeing a reduction in hospital reliance,” GUH respiratory consultant and respiratory lead for the Galway City Integrated Care Hub, Sinead Walsh, said.
“While supporting patients’ preferences for care in their own homes, which results in more autonomy and a higher quality of life, we are also minimising the need for hospital admission, promoting early discharge, and lowering the risk of hospital-acquired infections and deconditioning.”
Emma Burke, an advanced nurse practitioner in respiratory care at GUH and is virtual care lead for the Galway City Integrated Care Hub, said the initiative aligns with the Slaintecare vision of delivering one universal health service, providing right care, in the right place, at the right time.
“It represents an important change in the management of COPD, in allowing patients to actively monitor their health via the use of digital technology, while also facilitating prompt specialised intervention,” Ms Burke said.
Principal investigator of the GUH Virtual Hospital project Derek O’Keeffe said: “This project will deliver new ways of providing care to our patients using next generation technology and new clinical pathways to improve health and economic outcomes.
“The virtual initiative will use community virtual wards for enhanced monitoring and treatment of chronic conditions.
“These community virtual wards offer at home remote patient monitoring to reduce admissions and support early discharge of patients who would otherwise need hospital admission. Virtual outpatient services for remote appointments and diagnostics are also provided.”
Not entirely new and prior Australian studies. One of several reports from Prof Branko Celler. https://wwwdocs.fce.unsw.edu.au/fce/Research/ResearchMicrosites/AIPAR/ehealth/papers/Celler.pdf