Practitioners' perspectives on implementation of acute virtual wards: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Digital Health
• Patient Care Models

Background:

• Virtual wards are emerging as a novel approach to delivering acute care outside traditional hospital settings.
• Facilitating early patient discharge and providing acute medical attention at home, virtual wards aim to enhance healthcare efficiency and sustainability.
• Understanding healthcare practitioners' perspectives is vital for the successful integration and operationalization of virtual wards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and synthesize the perspectives of healthcare practitioners regarding the implementation of virtual wards.
• To identify key themes and challenges associated with the adoption and operational success of virtual wards from the viewpoint of frontline staff.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was conducted, adhering to PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.
• Searches were performed across major databases (PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Embase) from 2015 to 2024, identifying 201 relevant studies.
• Thematic analysis, utilizing Braun and Clarke's framework, was applied to 18 selected studies to extract and categorize key insights.

Main Results:

• Key themes emerged concerning virtual ward implementation, including service design, quality of care, technological integration, staff training, and overall awareness.
• Practitioners' perspectives highlighted significant challenges influencing the adoption of virtual wards, such as patient safety concerns and the need for robust technological infrastructure.
• The review identified critical considerations for the operational success of virtual wards, emphasizing the importance of addressing workforce training and development.

Conclusions:

• Virtual wards hold substantial potential for efficient and sustainable acute care delivery, offering a viable alternative to inpatient services.
• Addressing challenges in service design, ensuring patient safety, optimizing technology, and providing adequate workforce training are crucial for the successful implementation and long-term efficacy of virtual wards.
• Further research and strategic planning are necessary to overcome barriers and maximize the benefits of virtual ward models in healthcare systems.