Virtual hospital beds are not a quick fix, but can be a major part of the NHS solution, argues Graham Watson. He analyses the spectrum of possibilities.
The virtual hospital beds concept may not be a new innovation, but this evolving approach to allowing patients to access the preventative care they need outside of acute care settings is rightly demanding increasing attention.
Thanks to greater connectivity and improved technology, multidisciplinary teams can provide hospital-level treatment through a combination of remote and in-person care for people living with a range of health challenges, including cardiac, respiratory, frailty, and other conditions.
The idea is simple but effective — take the focus away from pressured bricks and mortar hospitals with the risk of hospital-acquired complications like infections and decline in physical function, place patients where they are most comfortable; improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction; prevent hospital admissions and reduce the length of hospital stays.
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