Covid Virtual Ward: Are we effectively managing patients in the community following hospitalisation from Acute COVID infection?

ABSTRACT

Background: During the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic, patients were only allowed discharge from hospital after achieving clinical stability, weaned off oxygen therapy and completed Dexamethasone. The COVID Virtual Ward @ Home (CVW@H) model facilitates safe and early discharge, allowing patients to be managed in their preferred place of care. Method(s) All patients enrolled onto CVW@H were provided with a pulse oximeter, agreed remote monitoring systems and additional care and support as clinically required. The agreed duration of monitoring was 14 days. Patients were contacted on Day 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14 to a community based ward round. The respiratory consultants had daily oversights on this remote service. Result(s) A total of 100 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 infections were enrolled on CVW@H between 30th June and 30th September 2021. 68 patients were discharged with no oxygen or Dexamethasone, 28 were on Dexamethasone therapy, 8 were on oxygen alone and 2 were on oxygen and Dexamethasone. Without CVW@H support, these would have remained in hospital until achieving clinical stability and completion of the above therapy. 3 patients were appropriately re-admitted to hospital with Covid related Hypoxia. All these amount to 438 bed days saved in 90 days, a cost saving of approximately 7pound;175,000 (209,000). In comparion, the running cost for CVW@H was 7pound;46,772 (55,883) during this period. Conclusion(s) CVW@H can safely manage patients with improving covid infections at home and provides a safety for these patients. It also has a significant cost saving potential.