Hospital at Home, or virtual ward, is a new healthcare model that provides acute, hospital-level care to patients in their own homes. Using advanced technology and dedicated community care teams, treatments can be delivered and patients monitored remotely. The objective is to offer the same level of care that you would receive in a traditional hospital setting but in a familiar, comfortable and less stressful environment.
Let’s agree, nobody likes going to the hospital.
The main elements of Hospital at Home include:
- Remote Health Checks – Utilising wearable devices and remote monitoring, your doctors and nurses can track your vital signs and other health stats in real-time, allowing for prompt treatment if necessary.
- Home Visitation – A professional medical team, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, make scheduled trips to the patient’s home to administer treatments, conduct health assessments, and provide any needed care.
- Telecare Services – Virtual consultations and follow-ups are conducted via video calls (Skype, Zoom) and or phone calls, enabling open communication between the patient and their medical team.
- Coordination of Care – This multidisciplinary team works together to implement your personalised care plan, ensuring that all aspects of your medical condition/s are addressed.
Hospital at Home is designed to manage a wide range of acute and chronic conditions that might typically require hospitalisation. Some conditions that can be effectively treated through this model of healthcare include:
- Respiratory Infections – Conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be managed with oxygen treatment, medications, and remote monitoring.
- Heart Conditions – Heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiac issues can be treated with medication, remote monitoring of vital signs, and regular personal healthcare assessments.
- Infections – Cellulitis, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial infections can be managed with intravenous antibiotics and continuous monitoring.
- Post-Surgical Care – Patients recovering from a surgery can receive wound care, acute pain management, and physical therapy in home. This care reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster recovery without the need to go to hospital.
- Chronic Disease Management – Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease can be closely monitored and treated through regular home visits.
Hospital at Home offers numerous advantages for elderly patients, enhancing their overall healthcare experience, mental state, and quality of life:
- Home Comfort and Familiarity – Receiving care in your own home provides a sense of comfort and familiarity. It reduces phobias, stress and health anxiety associated with hospital visits.
- Low Risk of Infection – Hospitals are environments where infections spread easily spread. By receiving care at home, seniors are less exposed to hospital-acquired infections, promoting a safer environment in which to receive treatment.
- Personal Care – Hospital at Home allows for more personal one to one and patient-oriented care. Medical professionals can tailor treatments and interventions to meet the specific needs and preferences of each patient.
- Improved Recovery – Studies have shown that patients often recover more quickly and have better outcomes when treated at home.
- Better Quality of Life – Being in your own environment allows elderly patients to maintain daily routines and stay connected with family and friends. A big contributor for emotional well-being.
ospital at Home also offers significant benefits for thye NHS and healthcare professionals.
- Lower Hospital Admissions – By treating patients at home, healthcare providers reduce the burden on hospitals, freeing up much needed beds for those who require acute emergency and critical care.
- Cost-Effective – Hospital at Home is more cost-effective than traditional hospital stays, reducing healthcare costs for both providers, patients, and taxpayers.
- Resource Utilisation – Remote monitoring and virtual consults allow healthcare providers to highly utilise their resources and reach more patients without compromising the quality of care.
- Patient Satisfaction – Providing care in a home setting often leads to much higher patient satisfaction, as patients feel more in control of their treatment plans.
- Improved Health – By offering personalized, continuous care, healthcare providers achieve better health outcomes for their patients, reducing readmissions and additional costs to the NHS.
Hospital at Home, or virtual ward, is the future, and a transformative model of care that offers many direct and indirect benefits for elderly patients, as well as the highly stretched healthcare providers in Edinburgh. By understanding what Hospital at Home means, the conditions that can be treated, and the advantages it provides, families and healthcare organisations and NHS trusts can make informed decisions to enhance the quality of care and well-being of senior residents.
1st Focus Homecare, is always available to answer questions about how Hospital at Home works, with our Managing Director an active paramedic in the local region. Feel free to give us a call at 0131-510-7878.
FAQs
What is a virtual ward?
A virtual ward, also known as Hospital at Home, is a healthcare model that allows patients to receive hospital-level care in the comfort of their own homes. This approach uses advanced technology, remote monitoring tools, and coordinated care teams to provide treatments.
Who might require Hospital at Home care?
Hospital at Home care is suitable for a variety of patients, particularly elderly individuals who may benefit from receiving care in their own homes. It is often recommended for those with acute conditions such as respiratory infections, heart issues, and infections, as well as for post-surgical care and chronic disease management.
What is the process for applying for Hospital at Home care?
The process for applying for Hospital at Home care typically involves a number of steps:
- Referral – Speak with your GP or hospital consultant. They will assess your condition and determine if you are a suitable candidate for HaH.
- Health Check – If deemed needed you will undergo a full assessment of your medical needs, home environment, and if Hospital at Home care is feasible and safe for you personally.
- Developing a Care Plan – A personalized care plan is then created, outlining specific treatments, monitoring protocols, and health care you will receive. This plan is developed with a multidisciplinary team of medical experts who understand your conditions.
- Getting Started – Once the care plan is finalized, the Hospital at Home service will be set up. This includes arranging the necessary medical equipment, home visit plan, and set up of remote monitoring systems.
- Continuing Care – During your care period, healthcare professionals will provide monitoring, treatments, and support, with adjustments to the care plan made as needed.
Does it cost me any additional money to be treated at home rather than in the hospital?
In many cases, receiving Hospital at Home care does not incur additional costs compared to traditional NHS hospital care. In fact, it can be more cost-effective, both for patients and healthcare providers.
