Setting up Oximetry @home and Virtual Ward services – Simulation videos

In partnership with The Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, in January 2021 we developed Stop:Start simulation videos to support trusts in setting up Oximetry @home and Virtual Ward services.

The videos have been created to support multi-professional clinical staff by simulating clinical assessment and triage calls with patients onboarded to these services. The aim is to familiarise clinicians with some of the situations they will face and provide self-led training focussing on communications skills and monitoring patients safely.

COVID Oximetry @home is designed to support patients in primary and community health settings. It is an enhanced package of monitoring (of symptoms and oxygen saturations) for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 who are at risk of future deterioration. This includes both patients living in their own homes and residents of care homes.

COVID virtual wards is a secondary-care-led initiative to support early and safe discharge from hospital (step down care) for COVID patients. It has already been implemented in some parts of the country where it is having an impact in reducing emergency admission and builds on the COVID Oximetry @home model.

Watch the Stop:Start simulation videos:

COVID Virtual Wards: First contact with a patient after discharge from hospital

COVID Oximetry @home: First contact with a patient

COVID Oximetry @home: Ongoing contact with a patient

COVID Oximetry @home: First contact with a patient through a third party