Using video consultations for virtual ward rounds
What problem was the trust looking to solve?
The trust needed to identify which video conferencing platform to use for GPs to carry out clinical assessments while protecting both patients and staff from unnecessary risk of infection. The trust chose the platform Attend Anywhere and went live within two weeks of signing an agreement with the software provider.
What was the trust's response?
Scale was achieved quickly by rolling out hardware to the care homes across Hertfordshire, whilst the clinicians worked remotely from an already established central hub. GPs employed by the service were already familiar with Attend Anywhere and minimal training was needed for care home staff due to the tool’s usability. It allowed clinicians to log in for an entire ward round, rather than logging in separately to each patient.
The success of the project relied on a digital strategy and an agile way of working within the trust, plus support from the trust’s executive. For example, the medical director, who helped pilot the approach. The deployment of ipads with sim cards to the care homes made the project a success, enabling them to still connect when WiFi capability within a care home dropped off. The ipads also had plastic covers so they could be cleaned between patient consultations, complying with infection control procedures.
The process was approved by the trust’s clinical advisory panel which includes clinical leads from all clinical professionals. A new electronic template was devised to ensure data was captured in a robust way and a new contact measure of video patient consultation was established.
What was the impact?
Care home staff now have direct access to a dedicated GP seven days a week between 8am and 8pm. This enables rapid assessment of deteriorating patients to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital.
What is planned next?
The trust plan to expand the service as part of its response to the national specification around enhanced health into care homes and build on the learning into further projects going forwards. The trust is also planning a pilot of video consultations with paramedics from East of England Ambulance Service. This will help reduce transportation rates of patients to hospital. The trust is also working with Hertfordshire County Council and the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association to ensure more care homes have access to this service.