Why virtual nursing is becoming increasingly popular within clinical trials and patient support programmes

Virtual Appointments have recently taken a huge leap into the Healthcare Research and Pharmaceutical Industry. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that not only is remote nursing possible in many cases, but it is also preferred by patients. 

This is because virtual support has been shown to not only offer convenience, but reduce hospital waiting times and improve the work load management of healthcare providers. This offers the opportunity to enhance patient experience, improve patient health and reduce unnecessary costs such as travel.

Is virtual nursing the solution needed? This varies dependent on the patient outcomes, but we do believe that virtual support offers a range of benefits and should be considered for the future.

The fear of getting sick when visiting ill-health areas such as a hospital or doctors surgery is now a concern for many patients. Remote nursing is convenient and can accommodate due to being adaptable around patients needs. It is also efficient as it erases the time taken to commute. Patients who live in remote locations, or who are homebound or just can’t take off time from work, can access care which allows more patients to connect with providers than ever before.

Effective time management, a virtual appointment is scheduled within an allocated time slot, lasting for a certain duration. Patients are aware of when they must attend and how much time they have, allowing for quicker and more efficient assessments, resulting in increased study participation and adherence to treatment.

2. Increased Access to Care

Virtual Appointments allows more flexibility for patients to connect with not only the study site, but also medical providers such as nurse practitioners, and physical therapists. Many therapy areas require regular reviews by a clinician, but patients may live far from the study site or have moved to a different location. Remote nursing is an ideal solution as it enables patients to receive continual care and support.

Virtual Appointments can save the patient unnecessary trips, as it enables them to speak to the most-appropriate person and reduce the need to travel for on-site monitoring visits. Further cost savings could include parking charges, fuel or the use of public transport.

Not only is this cost-effective for patients, but can also be an alternative solution for sponsors and study sites.

 

4. Improvement of Health Outcomes

Whether the patient is part of a clinical study or a Patient Support Programme (PSP), the need for fast and effective monitoring, for example in relation to Pharmacovigilance (PV) will be required.

Virtual assessments will provide clinician support, which will enable relevant treatments and improved medication adherence. This will lead to fewer clinical challenges, decreased hospital admissions and increased patient satisfaction.

Quick and easy follow-ups can also be organised, no need for patients or clinicians to travel to site.

5. Direct Data Capture

Virtual appointments allow for immediate access to data sharing such as test results, diagnoses, medications, patient to-do’s and training documents.

Remote nursing offers a quick and simple method for patients to share relevant data and a clinician to capture this for research, development or positive patient experience. There are specialist software options available to allow for high levels of data capture via interactive dashboard reporting.

6. Reducing Hospital Re-Admissions

Patients with chronic diseases make up a large number of hospital admissions. With a virtual solution, healthcare providers can remotely monitor and manage the patients within their home. Having a virtual schedule and regular check-ups will allow patients to learn and manage long-term health conditions more effectively, which may reduce the chances of re-admissions and free up hospital beds for new patients.

Conclusion

Virtual Appointments are not only more convenient for patients but it has the potential to provide so many further benefits including improving public health, improving access to care, relieving pressure on the healthcare workforce, and helping to reduce financial stress. For this reason you can see why it is becoming increasingly popular.

Find out more about how we can offer a virtual nursing solution for your patient or clinical trial by contacting Lisa at lisa.green@wrenhealthcare.co.uk

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