The FHJ debate: There is no evidence for the drive towards virtual wards

Abstract

Virtual wards and hospital at home are rapidly growing models of care globally and in the UK. Evidence is growing around positive impact of specialist-led hospital at home care for frail, multimorbid patients in comparison to traditional hospital admission for treatment of certain medical conditions. However, the scope of practices under the term 'virtual wards' varies, resulting in unclear quantitative results. This themed article discusses differing viewpoints - are virtual wards inconsistent distractions during NHS crisis, or patient-centred innovations for future healthcare?