Almost half of Brits would prefer a hospital to virtual ward, survey finds
Almost half of UK citizens have claimed they would prefer to be monitored in a real hospital rather than a virtual ward, with over 60% unable to “confidently” explain what a virtual ward is – a survey has found.
Data revealed by Spirit Health shows that 43% of the public would actively opt for a stay in hospital over a virtual ward, while just a quarter (27%) would opt for a virtual ward, given the choice.
Figures show huge levels of uncertainty across the nation, with over 30% expressing that they either don’t know their preference, or don’t know what a virtual ward actually is.
On top of this, a staggering 63% of the public claim they could not confidently explain what a virtual ward is.
Virtual ward “stigma” is discouraging patients
Despite an NHS England target mandating that more than 20,000 people in the country will be placed on to a virtual ward by the end of 2023, the data suggests a stigma is attached to the term ‘virtual ward’.
Polling data from the digital health tech provider also unveiled that the term “virtual ward” is discouraging patients from receiving healthcare at home – suggesting that the language used is threatening to undo the public appetite for remote care.
The data findings also revealed:
- Confidence in healthcare at home is by no means restricted to younger generations, with three quarters (75%) of those aged over 55 confirming that they would prefer to be monitored by doctors at home – in order to leave hospital sooner
- More than half of the public (56%) agreed they would encourage older family members and loved ones to use digital health technology to support their health and avoid an unnecessary stay in hospital.
- Those aged between 16-24 (22%) and 55+ (24%) would actively choose placement on a virtual ward over a stay in hospital, the lowest of all age ranges.
The Censuswide survey of 2000 people also showed that despite some uncertainty, 53% actively preferred to receive healthcare at home, compared to just 27% who chose a traditional hospital stay.
The findings suggest a clear disconnect between the principle of healthcare at home and the term ‘virtual ward’ which is potentially putting off patients.
Public “beginning to appreciate” digital care
Jane Van Aken, nurse and director of service development at Spirit Health said: “Our polling has revealed that the public are beginning to appreciate the benefits of digital healthcare, from faster access to medical specialists to greater control over one’s health in familiar surroundings.
“This is a very encouraging sign that the country is ready to embrace the possibilities of technology to improve patient outcomes and reduce pressures on the NHS and supplement traditional face-to-face appointments.
“Our findings also highlight a concerning trend around the public perception of virtual wards, as we head into a crucial period for the NHS this winter.
“Virtual wards are an integral component of digital healthcare, which we now know the public strongly supports, by enabling the continued, safe and convenient delivery of first-rate care for people at home.
“This is underpinned by successfully linking people with their nurses and doctors through a smart device, like a phone or tablet, and crucially giving people the ability to report how they are feeling and report their vital signs.”
Virtual wards “do not replace” in-person care
She added: “Virtual wards do not replace traditional face-to-face care, they are part of an enhanced option by using technology which is supported by clinical teams in a hospital.
“At a time of significant pressure on the NHS and its resources, it is important the NHS workforce and patients are given as much support as possible to drive the best possible health outcomes.”
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