The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented catalyst for the implementation of in-home remote monitoring across NSW. The scale and complexity of the disease made it imperative to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections in the community and amongst clinicians, whilst also managing hospital resources. Where appropriate, it has been shown that people who are COVID-19 positive can be monitored effectively using alternative methods to in-person care in the isolation of their own homes, or hotel quarantine.
Virtual care has become an important tool for the health system in its delivery of care to people who are COVID-19 positive and in isolation. This includes assessment, care and support, monitoring and escalation. Remote monitoring allows healthcare workers to continue to deliver care to patients beyond an initial virtual visit or screening. This includes in-home monitoring of symptoms, underlying health conditions, risk factors, virtual clinical assessment and use of connected devices enabling timely intervention and escalation in the event of deterioration.
This document outlines the common elements of successful in-home remote monitoring initiatives and details the key features of three initiatives in the following parts:
- Part 1 – Remote COVID-19 monitoring: Core elements
- Part 2 – Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) and Southern New South Wales Local Health District (SNSWLHD): Virtual Care Centre
- Part 3 – Sydney Local Health District (SLHD): RPA Virtual Hospital
- Part 4 – St Vincent’s Health Network (SVHN): Virtual Care Unit
