Setting up a virtual ward involves creating a digital healthcare environment to monitor and care for patients remotely. Virtual wards are providing an alternative to traditional hospital wards - designed to monitor and care for patient health at home or in a community setting. Watch the on-demand webinar here.
Here are the top three takeaways for health professionals:
Technology Infrastructure and Security
- Robust Platform Selection: Choose a secure and reliable virtual ward platform that meets healthcare standards for privacy, data security, and compliance (such as HIPAA). The platform should support video consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and secure messaging.
- Integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR): Ensure seamless integration with existing EHR systems to facilitate the exchange of patient information and maintain a comprehensive view of the patient's health history.
- Data Encryption and Privacy: Implement strong encryption measures to protect patient data during transmission and storage. Adhere to privacy regulations and guidelines to maintain patient confidentiality and trust.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)
- Select Appropriate Monitoring Devices: Choose reliable and user-friendly devices for RPM, such as wearable sensors, connected devices, and mobile health apps. These should be able to capture relevant health metrics and provide real-time data to healthcare professionals.
- Establish Thresholds and Alerts: Define thresholds for vital signs and other relevant health indicators. Implement automated alerts to notify healthcare providers if a patient's condition deviates from the predefined parameters, enabling timely intervention.
- Patient Education and Engagement: Educate patients on how to use monitoring devices effectively and encourage active participation in their healthcare. Regular communication through virtual check-ins and educational materials can enhance patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans.
Care Coordination and Telehealth Services
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other specialists. Utilize virtual meetings and secure communication channels to discuss patient cases and coordinate care effectively.
- Telehealth Consultations: Integrate telehealth consultations for regular check-ins and follow-ups. Conduct virtual visits to assess patient progress, discuss treatment plans, and address any concerns. Ensure that patients have access to support services and resources.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Design the virtual ward system to be scalable and adaptable to varying patient loads and needs. Consider the ability to expand services as necessary and incorporate feedback from both healthcare providers and patients for continuous improvement.
Want to learn more? Watch our on-demand webinar with industry experts Buddy Healthcare and Whzan Digital Health – for an insightful discussion on how focusing on these key aspects, health professionals can contribute to the successful implementation and operation of a virtual ward, improving patient outcomes and expanding the reach of healthcare services. Register Here!