Survey finds that the term “virtual ward” discourages patients from receiving healthcare at home

There is a disconnect between the principle of healthcare at home and the term “virtual ward”, which is potentially putting off patients, according to a new survey.

Polling data obtained by digital health technology provider Spirit Health has revealed the framing of virtual wards risks undermining positive momentum behind healthcare at home.

In a survey conducted by Censuswide of more than 2,000 people nationwide, 27 percent said they would prefer to be monitored on a virtual ward given the choice. Equally, over two-fifths of respondents said they would actively opt for a stay in hospital over a virtual ward.

However, the findings also showed 53 percent actively preferred to receive healthcare at home, compared to just 27 percent who chose a traditional hospital stay.

An overwhelming 63 percent of the public could not confidently explain what a virtual ward is.

Spirit Health believes that the findings detail a “clear disconnect” between the principle of healthcare at home and the term “virtual ward”, which is potentially discouraging patients.

Furthermore, the survey revealed that three-quarters of those aged over 55 say that they would prefer to be monitored by doctors at home to leave hospital sooner.

More than half of the public agreed they would encourage older family members and loved ones to use digital health technology to support their health and avoid an unnecessary stay in hospital.

Those aged between 16-24 (22 percent) and 55+ (24 percent) would actively choose placement on a virtual ward over a stay in hospital, the lowest of all age ranges.

Jane Van Aken, Registered Nurse and Director of Service Development at Spirit Health said: “Our polling has revealed that the public are beginning to appreciate the benefits of digital healthcare, from faster access to medical specialists to greater control over one’s health in familiar surroundings.

“This is a very encouraging sign that the country is ready to embrace the possibilities of technology to improve patient outcomes and reduce pressures on the NHS and supplement traditional face-to-face appointments.

“Our findings also highlight a concerning trend around the public perception of virtual wards, as we head into a crucial period for the NHS this winter. Virtual wards are an integral component of digital healthcare, which we now know the public strongly supports, by enabling the continued, safe and convenient delivery of first-rate care for people at home.

“This is underpinned by successfully linking people with their nurses and doctors through a smart device, like a phone or tablet, and crucially giving people the ability to report how they are feeling and report their vital signs.”

Despite an NHS England target mandating that more than 20,000 people in the country will be placed on to a virtual ward by the end of 2023, the data suggests a stigma is attached to the term “virtual ward”.

The appetite for digital healthcare also comes amid warnings of an NHS winter “crisis”. With recent data suggesting that 40,000 nurses left the NHS last year and hospital waiting lists are exceeding 6.8 million, the public is acutely aware of the need for radical healthcare solutions, according to Spirit Health.

Jane concluded: “Virtual wards do not replace traditional face-to-face care, they are part of an enhanced option by using technology which is supported by clinical teams in a hospital. At a time of significant pressure on the NHS and its resources, it is important the NHS workforce and patients are given as much support as possible to drive the best possible health outcomes.”

In an exclusive article for AT Today, Dr Noel O’Kelly, Clinical Director at virtual ward provider Spirit Health, shared the process behind delivering NHS virtual wards, including working with clinicians to develop the healthcare pathways, training NHS staff, and how patients are being introduced to the technology. Learn more about the process behind delivering virtual wards here.