Virtual wards are helping to improve the delivery of care and save clinicians valuable time and resources; we hear how Baywater Healthcare’s virtual ward solution is helping to support more patients and improve their overall care
Virtual ward solutions are transforming how patients receive care, offering positive outcomes that benefit patients, clinicians, and healthcare providers. This article will explore the various positive outcomes of virtual ward services, shedding light on how this innovative approach is revolutionising healthcare.
Award-winning virtual ward provider Baywater Healthcare have shared positive outcomes that they have experienced from setting up their virtual ward solution.
Time and cost savings
Setting up a virtual ward saves clinicians valuable time and resources. Commuting to a physical healthcare facility and spending time waiting for appointments are no longer necessary for patients, which, in turn, reduces the administrative workload for clinicians.
Additionally, the cost savings from reduced overhead associated with physical facilities can be redirected towards improving patient care, investing in technology, or expanding services.
This also supports the NHS in significant cost savings and lowering waiting times by reducing hospital admissions.
The virtual ward solution and patient-centred care
Virtual ward services empower clinicians to provide patient-centred care. The flexibility of virtual consultations allows clinicians to tailor their services to meet individual patient needs. They can schedule appointments at times that are most convenient for patients, allowing for a more personalised and patient-focused approach to healthcare.
Baywater Healthcare’s virtual ward software allows them to offer bespoke packages that can monitor a wide range of conditions and wellbeing, including but not limited to:
- Frailty
- Respiratory
- Cardiac
- Learning disability
- Mental health
- Oncology
- Care homes, including assisted living
- Diabetesvirtual ward solutionWound care
Improved patient experience
Patient experience while using a virtual ward is enhanced. Virtual ward services offer patients a far more comfortable and less stressful experience. Patients can receive consultation from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to travel and wait in crowded waiting rooms. This improved experience is especially beneficial for individuals with mobility issues, chronic conditions, or anxiety about visiting healthcare facilities. The convenience of virtual ward services contributes to higher patient satisfaction levels.
Enhanced efficiency
One of the key positive outcomes of a virtual ward service is the enhanced efficiency that it brings to a practice. With virtual consultations, clinicians can see a higher volume of patients in a much shorter period. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in busy healthcare settings, where there is a constant demand for healthcare services. These services allow clinicians to streamline their workflow, enabling them to allocate more time to patient care rather than administrative tasks.
Enhanced collaborative care
Collaborative care among clinicians is encouraged through a virtual ward. Specialists from different locations can consult with each other and provide their expertise for complex cases. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care and access to a network of healthcare professionals working together to address their health needs. For example, Baywater Healthcare collaborated with Gloucestershire CCG to develop and deliver a COVID virtual ward. Key monitoring needs were identified, including daily monitoring of SP02 via oximeter and general wellbeing questions to monitor symptoms. The solution had several positive outcomes, including reducing pressures on NHS hospitals, patients feeling more reassured, faster intervention, and reducing the risk to the patient’s health.
Expanded reach
Clinicians are enabled to reach a far broader patient population. Geographical restrictions are no longer a barrier, and clinicians can provide their expertise to patients who may not have had access to specialised care previously. This expanded reach benefits patients and allows clinicians to extend their influence and make a difference in the healthcare field beyond their immediate vicinity.
Greater patient engagement
Baywater Healthcare empowers patients to become more engaged in their healthcare. Patients have the opportunity to actively participate in their treatment plans, as virtual consultations facilitate open and informed discussions. This engagement can lead to better self-management of chronic conditions and a more proactive approach to health.
Positive feedback for the virtual ward solution
Baywater Healthcare has shared some of the positive outcomes that they have received from users of their award-winning virtual ward solution; one patient stated: “It was very easy to submit readings, and knowing that someone was there keeping an eye on my state of health in case I took a turn for the worse was very reassuring”.
While another shared: “I am not sure I could have got through without the virtual ward team. They were amazing. Thank you for all your help and kind support from the bottom of my heart.”
If you would like to find out more about Baywater Healthcare’s award-winning virtual ward and how it could benefit you, please complete the contact form available on their website or message sales@baywater.co.uk
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