Projects

Understanding Virtual Wards: Insight into staff and patient experiences and priorities for future evaluation in the North East and North Cumbria ICS

Led by research fellows from our multi-morbidity ageing and frailty theme

Virtual Wards are hospital-led alternatives to in-patient hospital care in which patients are cared for in their home using remote monitoring technology and a mixture of remote (e.g. video) consultation and face-to-face care.

Virtual Wards are being developed rapidly within the NHS.

A growing body of evidence indicates the potential of virtual wards to obtain good clinical outcomes, but there is a need for further research.

It is particularly important to begin to build an understanding of how decisions are made at a local level, and how contextual factors such as population demographic, workforce and existing infrastructure may impact outcomes.

This qualitative evaluation aims to understand more about virtual wards in one trust in the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS): Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The study will explore the process and experience of designing, implementing and providing virtual wards, and the experience of being referred and receiving care in a virtual ward environment.

Insights will be used to inform future Integrated Care Board (ICB) monitoring and evaluation plans.