The experience of virtual wards at Croydon University Hospital
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Healthwatch Croydon undertook a project looking at people's experiences of virtual wards. They carried out a phone survey with patients who were currently or recently had used virtual wards and remote monitoring between January and May 2024 to gather patient experiences about this service. They spoke to 30 people. T
Most of these patients were already familiar with the concept of virtual wards and felt comfortable with the technology. When asked about their preference for treatment location, 87% of the patients expressed a preference for being treated at home in a virtual ward rather than in a hospital.
The survey reveals a strong preference for home-based care, with 87% of patients favouring treatment at home over hospital care. This preference underscores the importance of considering patient needs and preferences in developing remote monitoring and virtual care services. The findings highlight the benefits of virtual wards, such as convenience and personalized care, and emphasize the need for accessible and user-friendly technology to ensure all patients can benefit from these advancements.
This strong preference for home-based care indicates that many patients are open to and see the benefits of virtual wards. They appreciate the convenience and personalized care that comes with being treated at home instead of in a hospital. These insights are crucial for planning the future of healthcare. They highlight the need to focus on patient preferences when developing new remote monitoring and virtual care services. By aligning healthcare services with what patients want and need, we can achieve better overall care and satisfaction.