%0 Journal Article
%@ 1438-8871
%I JMIR Publications
%V 23
%N 2
%P e25518
%T A Virtual Ward Model of Care for Patients With COVID-19: Retrospective Single-Center Clinical Study
%A Ferry,Olivia R
%A Moloney,Emma C
%A Spratt,Owen T
%A Whiting,Gerald F M
%A Bennett,Cameron J
%+ Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, 4006, Australia, 61 36468111, cameron.bennett@health.qld.gov.au
%K COVID-19
%K efficacy
%K hospital
%K innovation
%K model
%K remote care
%K safety
%K telemedicine
%K virtual health care
%K virtual ward
%D 2021
%7 10.2.2021
%9 Original Paper
%J J Med Internet Res
%G English
%X Background: COVID-19 has necessitated the implementation of innovative health care models in preparation for an influx of patients. A virtual ward model delivers clinical care remotely to patients in isolation. We report on an Australian cohort of patients with COVID-19 treated in a virtual ward. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the safety and efficacy of a virtual ward model of care for an Australian cohort of patients with COVID-19. Methods: Retrospective clinical assessment was performed for 223 patients with confirmed COVID-19 treated in a virtual ward in Brisbane, Australia, from March 25 to May 15, 2020. Statistical analysis was performed for variables associated with the length of stay and hospitalization. Results: Of 223 patients, 205 (92%) recovered without the need for escalation to hospital care. The median length of stay in the virtual ward was 8 days (range 1-44 days). In total, 18 (8%) patients were referred to hospital, of which 6 (33.3%) were discharged after assessment at the emergency department. Furthermore, 12 (5.4%) patients were admitted to hospital, of which 4 (33.3%) required supplemental oxygen and 2 (16.7%) required mechanical ventilation. No deaths were recorded. Factors associated with escalation to hospital care were the following: hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% CI 1.28-9.87; P=.01), sputum production (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.74-15.49; P=.001), and arthralgia (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.21-11.71; P=.02) at illness onset and a polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold of ≤20 on a diagnostic nasopharyngeal swab (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.25-19.63; P=.02). Conclusions: Our results suggest that a virtual ward model of care to treat patients with COVID-19 is safe and efficacious, and only a small number of patients would potentially require escalation to hospital care. Further studies are required to validate this model of care. 
%M 33529157
%R 10.2196/25518
%U http://www.jmir.org/2021/2/e25518/
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/25518
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/33529157