Virtual Ward – Right-siting and co-management of psychiatric patients with psychiatric nursing homes
Care Process & Redesign
Technology
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2020
To reduce demand for acute IMH services and build the capability of Psychiatric Nursing Homes (PNHs) to manage stabilized. Virtual wards significantly reduce re-admissions, improve care efficiency, and enhance nursing home staff competency.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Technology, Right-Siting, Workflow Redesign, Intermediate and Long Term Care ＆ Community Care, Tele-Consultation, Telehealth
About this Content
Aims
To reduce demand for acute IMH services and build the capability of Psychiatric Nursing Homes (PNHs) to manage stabilized psychiatric patients.
Background
Stabilized psychiatric patients lacked sustained care in PNHs, causing readmissions and prolonged stays at IMH.
Methods
A virtual ward team comprising psychiatrists, APNs, and occupational therapists reviewed residents weekly to bi-weekly, providing behavioral interventions and medication adjustments.
Results
Admissions reduced (12 to 4), length of stay reduced (156 to 27 days). Improved collaboration, staff satisfaction, and nursing home capability in managing challenging behaviors.
Conclusion
Virtual wards significantly reduce re-admissions, improve care efficiency, and enhance nursing home staff competency.
Lessons Learnt
Robust IT infrastructure and clear workflows are essential. Capability building for NH staff improves care quality and reduces readmissions.
Additional Information
The initiative extended to additional nursing homes, benefiting residents with psychiatric conditions, dementia, and intellectual disabilities.
Keywords
Care Redesign, Intermediate & Community Care, Right-siting, Virtual Ward, Psychiatric Nursing Homes, Teleconferencing, Multi-Disciplinary Team
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Institute of Mental Health |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Psychiatry |
Project Lead(s) | Gillian Lim |
Project Member(s) | Wong Chui Ping |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Gillian Lim - Shanhui_Gillian_LIM@imh.com.sg