Project Outline

Background

The Virtual Ward (VW) Programme, launched in December 2023, provides hospital-level care at home through remote monitoring, offering an alternative to hospital admission and addressing bed shortages. The HSE has developed a national model, and Limerick University Hospital and St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH)  commenced the Virtual Ward in July 2024. 

Aim

This project aims to develop a Capability Framework to define the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources for nurses, supporting the successful and sustainable delivery of care in VWs.

Evaluation design and methodology

The design of the project involves a multi-phase approach structured in 3 work packages that include the realist synthesis of literature, a qualitative empirical study in SVUH, and co-design workshops.

Intervention 

The intervention is the development of a Nursing Capability Framework designed to support the implementation of the VW programme, outlining the necessary skills, knowledge, behaviours, resources, and protocols required for nurses to deliver effective care within this model of care.

Expected Results

The expected results of the project include the development of a comprehensive Nursing Capability Framework. The project will identify key barriers and enablers to VW implementation and propose tailored education and training strategies to address nurses' unmet capabilities. The implementation will take place at St. Vincent’s University Hospital and Limerick University Hospital.

Conclusion

The expected impact of this project is the establishment of a Nursing Capability Framework that will directly enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the Virtual Ward (VW) model in Ireland. By clearly outlining the required capabilities, the framework will provide nurses with the necessary skills and resources to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care in the VW setting. The project’s findings will inform the development of targeted training programs, ensuring that nurses are well-equipped to meet the challenges of this innovative care model. The broader implications for practice include improved patient outcomes, more efficient use of hospital resources, and a sustainable, scalable approach to delivering acute care outside traditional hospital settings. This framework can also serve as a model for the implementation of similar virtual care models in other healthcare systems.