Paediatric Virtual Wards

Paediatric virtual wards are an essential tool in addressing the rising demand for high-dependency paediatric care. By streamlining patient flow from acute trusts and managing the influx of patients, they reduce hospital stays and improve resource availability.

Using our advanced Docobo Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) solution, children can be discharged from hospital while receiving specialist care at home.

These wards are designed to maintain the safety and well-being of young patients in a familiar environment, supporting both the child and their family.

Preparing for a Virtual Ward Rollout

Graphnet partners with clinicians, nursing teams, and consultant paediatricians to establish tailored remote monitoring systems. This includes developing condition-specific question sets for various conditions including:

· HSP (Henoch-Schönlein Purpura)

· Nephrotic syndrome

· Jaundice

· Gastroenteritis

· Bronchiolitis & respiratory conditions

In addition to consulting healthcare providers, Graphnet actively engages patients and their families throughout the process, collecting feedback and implementing improvements to prioritise patient comfort and well-being.

How Do Virtual Wards Operate?

Patient Selection and Consent: Suitable patients are identified through multidisciplinary risk assessments during ward rounds. Parents and guardians are informed about the virtual ward process, addressing any concerns and providing consent.
Enrolment and Training: Families receive training on using the technology and completing question sets, ensuring confidence before starting remote monitoring. Training videos are also available.
Daily Monitoring: Parents and/or guardians use smart devices to submit health data, accessible in real time to the clinical team. Metrics include blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate and temperature. Alerts are set for abnormal results, triggering immediate responses from the clinical team.
Ongoing Support: Families have 24/7 access to paediatric telephone support. Regular check-ins ensure continued care and address any concerns.
Discharge Process: Once the child is ready, equipment is collected, sanitised, and prepared for other patients.

Benefits of Paediatric Virtual Wards

Paediatric virtual wards offer transformative benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. Here are just some of the benefits:

For Patients and Families

· Faster Discharges: Children can safely return home sooner.

· Reduced Readmissions: Early evidence indicates a lower risk of returning to hospital.

· Improved Quality of Life: Families enjoy greater comfort, reduced anxiety, and the ability to maintain their routines.

· Enhanced Experience: Familiar surroundings promote better rest, diet, and reduced stress for both child and parent.

For Healthcare Providers

· Increased Capacity: Freeing hospital beds improves patient flow.

· Operational Efficiency: Less time on ward rounds and follow-ups post-discharge.

· Reduced Readmissions: Lower demand on emergency services and paediatric wards.

· Staff Satisfaction: Improved morale from delivering superior patient care.

A Testament to Success

Adrian Flowerday, Founder, Remote Monitoring, states: "We are impressed with how teams have embraced the Docobo virtual ward technology, enabling children to receive excellent care while at home. It’s remarkable to see the positive impact on patients, families, and healthcare providers."

The success of paediatric virtual wards reflects the dedication of clinical teams and the power of collaboration between technology providers like Graphnet. Together, we are shaping the future of paediatric care, ensuring better outcomes and experiences for patients and their families.