A Service Evaluation of Virtual Wards in Cornwall, UK

Lyndon, Helen, Viney, Tracey and Slade, Vicki (2025) A Service Evaluation of Virtual Wards in Cornwall, UK. Oxford Open Digital Health. ISSN 2754-4591

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Abstract

This service evaluation provides an overview of the virtual ward model in Cornwall, UK and was implemented using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interviews were conducted with virtual ward patients and clinicians and analysed using thematic analysis. A virtual ward is a digitally enabled service enabling people requiring hospital-level care to receive that care at home, either as an alternative to hospital admission or by facilitating an earlier discharge. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Readiness for change: The virtual ward service was not embedded in existing health provision with scepticism and reluctance to refer into the virtual ward. (2) Confidence and trust: due to system incompatibility issues, clinicians lost confidence and trust in the remote monitoring system, however, patients had high levels of trust in the virtual ward staff, increasing their confidence to remain at home. (3) Digital challenges: using the monitoring equipment was challenging for some patients with issues of digital exclusion including understanding the technology and connection difficulties. (4) Impact: despite the challenges, the virtual ward was highly valued by patients and supports person-centred care, offering a safe alternative to hospital admission. Virtual wards in Cornwall were rapidly implemented leading to some implementation barriers, nonetheless, the overwhelming response from patients demonstrated how they valued the virtual ward as a viable alternative to hospital admission and how the compassion and professionalism shown by the virtual ward clinicians made them feel safe and supported in their own homes.

Item Type:	Article
Depositing User:	Ms Raisa Burton
Date Deposited:	01 May 2025 13:19
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2025 10:45
URI:	https://marjon.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17970
Related URLs:	https://academi ... 13185#511918284 (Publisher URL)

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