Virtual ward: The future in the management of neutropenic sepsis in the NHS

Abstract

Virtual ward offers patients with neutropenic sepsis a unique opportunity to receive hospital level of care in the comfort of their home, especially for patients who would otherwise be admitted to hospital because of their acute treatment. On the virtual ward, patients can receive hospital level of care with a significant opportunity to mitigate any risk of hospital-acquired infection in this subset of patients who are already immunocompromised amongst other benefits. Additionally, hospital length of stay can be shortened leading to reduced admission pressure in hospitals, increasing hospital admission avoidance, and encouraging safe discharge from hospital while still providing the best care for the patients. We report a case of a 76-year-old cancer patient who presented with neutropenic sepsis and was successfully managed on the virtual ward in a district hospital. This case highlights the importance of virtual wards an evolving innovation that can define the future management of cancer patients in NHS. It is safe and reduces the cost of inpatient care in healthcare.