A virtual ward helping patients with jaundice and related conditions is now live across a Midlands-based NHS trust. This service is for patients either waiting for a scan or a surgical procedure within 1-2 weeks. These patients need monitoring but are not critically unwell and don’t need to stay in hospital.

By using Clinitouch, patients are safely discharged and managed at home. It helps patients who need a surgical intervention prepare for surgery at home whilst being guided and closely monitored by their healthcare team.

Aims & Objectives

• To safely monitor patients with jaundice at home whilst they are waiting for a scan or surgical intervention
• To manage the flow of physical beds in hospital
• To provide more personalised patient care

How it works

• Patient - Patient is discharged from hospital and provided with equipment (if suitable). At home, the patient answers health questions related to jaundice using the Clinitouch app. They also enter observations including blood pressure, pulse rate, weight and temperature.
• Clinitouch - The platform automatically analyses and risk-scores the data. It will highlight when any patient moves outside the agreed parameters. Parameters are designed to avoid dehydration, ensure adequate nutrition before possible surgery, early detection of any infection and comfort scores for patients.
• CHUGGS (Cancer, Haematology, Urology, Gastroenterology, General Surgery) Team - Remote monitor patients daily using the information the patients submit. If patient is flagged amber or red on Clinitouch, interventions are made.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased capacity and flow of hospital beds
• Actively managing waiting lists for surgical procedures
• Reduction in re-admissions by monitoring for any complications in patients’ condition

The CHUGGS team commented:

“Patients with jaundice can spend up to several weeks in hospital whilst undergoing investigations and treatment.

"The 'Ambulatory Jaundice Pathway' offers fast-track assessment of patients presenting with jaundice whilst avoiding the need for admission. Keeping patients at home safely improves their journey and also reduces the pressure on ward beds.”