An NHS trust in Leicester and local hospice LOROS collaborated to establish a palliative care virtual ward. Through the use of Clinitouch, a remote patient monitoring platform, patients are safely discharged from a hospital or hospice to receive remote monitoring and care in the comfort of their own homes. Patients can also be referred by the community team to receive the support they need to remain in their own homes and avoid hospital admission.

The service offers remote monitoring, holistic support and follow-up for patients with a clinical specialist diagnosis or exacerbation of a palliative condition who are at risk of deterioration.

Aims & Objectives

• To optimise treatment and keep patients out of hospital
• To support a holistic care approach for patients with palliative care needs
• To help clinicians monitor and identify changing needs of patients requiring palliative care
• To safely facilitate an earlier discharge from hospital if appropriate

How it works

• Patient - If suitable, patients are referred by a specialist palliative care clinician. Patient is provided with remote monitoring equipment. At home, the patient answers health questions and takes vital sign readings on Clinitouch.
• Clinitouch - The platform has unique algorithms that automatically analyse and risk-score the data. It will highlight when any patient moves outside the agreed parameters.
• Specialist Palliative Nurse - Remotely monitors patient using the information the patient submits on Clinitouch. If patient is flagged amber or red on Clinitouch, interventions are made.

Expected Outcomes

• Reduction in hospital admissions
• Reduced length of stay in hospital
• Increased access to responsive care for patients with palliative care needs

Dr Noel O’Kelly - Medical Director at Spirit Health, comments:

“We have one chance to get things right for patients at end of life. It is essential that they have access to responsive healthcare as their palliative care needs can change quickly.

"Remote patient monitoring allows clinicians to respond quickly to these changing needs, helping patients and carers to be better supported in their own homes.”