The study published in BMJ Open meticulously compares the length of stay between patients in virtual wards and those in hospitals, shedding light on their economic impact. Here are the key findings:
- Clinical Effectiveness:
- Virtual wards were found to be clinically effective for patients who did not require readmission.
- They allowed for the release of three hospital beds per day.
- However, the study authors expressed concerns about the cost associated with virtual wards.
- Notably, the virtual ward in the study operated at 24% utilization1.
- Length of Stay:
- Overall, patients in virtual wards experienced a shorter stay compared to their counterparts in hospitals.
- The estimated reduction in hospital stay for virtual ward patients ranged from 2.1 to 3.9 days.
- Interestingly, a slightly higher percentage of patients admitted to virtual wards were alive at the six-month follow-up date.
- However, readmission rates within six months after discharge were also higher for virtual ward patients1.
- Economic Implications:
- The cost of virtual wards was calculated based on accrued expenditure.
- In contrast, the cost estimation for hospital beds represents the average cost of non-elective care provision within acute hospital wards.
- During 2022, the estimated costs for the virtual ward (with 40 beds) amounted to approximately £1 million.
- Calculations suggest that saving one inpatient hospital day through virtual wards cost £935.
- It’s important to note that this cost was based on 24% utilization of the virtual ward1.
- Survival Rates:
- Although patients from both groups were matched, virtual ward patients showed lower comorbidity rates.
- This likely contributed to a larger survival rate on their first admission compared to hospital patients.
- The study emphasizes that care in virtual wards is preferred by both patients and healthcare staff1.
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