Palliative virtual wards: a cross-sectional UK survey

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Health Services Research
• Virtual Wards

Background:

• Palliative virtual wards are emerging as a novel care model.
• Previous data on their implementation and outcomes across the UK is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather aggregated data on palliative virtual wards in the UK.
• To understand their models of care, staffing, technology use, funding, and reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to UK palliative care providers.
• A multilevel, snowballing methodology was employed for participant recruitment.

Main Results:

• 86 responses were received from 22 palliative virtual wards.
• All wards support patients with unstable palliative symptoms, aiming to prevent hospital admission.
• Services primarily use daily specialist nurse and consultant input, with varied use of therapists and pharmacists. Telephone and face-to-face contact are prevalent, with less use of video consultations or remote monitoring.
• 75% rely on charitable funding, and some have closed due to financial instability.
• Professionals report reduced hospital admissions, facilitated patient choice, and support for loved ones.

Conclusions:

• Palliative virtual wards are increasing, with 25% of respondents considering launching new ones.
• Models of care vary, but positive outcomes for patients, carers, and staff are reported.
• These services share similarities with frailty virtual wards, emphasizing face-to-face care over technology.
• Further research is needed to compare palliative virtual ward models with standard care.