Virtual Wards & TCI's, Held At-Homes Walking Wounded

Description

In this video presentation, Bob Handley, a surgeon and the National Clinical Lead for Adult Orthopedic Trauma, discusses the challenges faced by patients discharged from Emergency Departments in need of follow-up surgeries. He highlights significant variations in how these patients are managed across different healthcare settings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Handley points out the lack of standardized tracking for 'held at home' patients—those awaiting surgery who fall outside of traditional inpatient or elective categories—and the need for a national system to ensure their needs are met.



Handley shares insights from an orthopod study that indicated around 50,000 patients might not be counted due to insufficient recognition by NHS protocols. He criticizes the system's failure to provide these patients with timely follow-ups and adequate support, leading to increased anxiety and disconnection from care providers. Despite the potential benefits of virtual wards, he notes that the existing frameworks do not adequately address this patient demographic.



Emphasizing the need for humane treatment and accountability, Handley proposes the implementation of specific care pathways tailored for these patients, leveraging existing workforce capabilities such as trauma coordinators. He advocates for early recognition and intervention to improve both patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency, underscoring the importance of addressing this systemic issue in order to improve care quality and operational effectiveness within the NHS.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-251047

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