March 27, 2023
There are versions of these programs in Canada but some experts say we need more of them to ease our own healthcare system's bottleneck. These virtual wards allow patients to get hospital-level care at home, helping speed up their recovery while freeing up hospital beds. In the U.K., patients on a virtual ward are cared for by a multi-skilled team who provide tests and treatments. Their status is reviewed daily by a clinical team and the “ward round” can involve a home visit or take place through a virtual visit. Many use technology like apps, wearables and other medical devices that let clinical staff monitor a patient's recovery. There are over 340 virtual ward programs across England, including a total of 7,653 virtual beds.