Title : Nurse led virtual clinic for vascular service- improving patient journey
Abstract:
I ncreased life expectancy is a result ofsuccessful health interventions which in turn have caused considerable financial pressure on the health industry in many countries including New Zealand. There is increased incidence of chronic illness with the ageing population leading to unprecedented alterations in the healthcare delivery system. These changes include financial pressures, directives from government health boards to improve quality and patient safety, advancing technology and workforce shortages. These changes have an adverse effect on funding decisions which inadvertently have an effect on the work environment .With limited resources health providers need to find innovative and cost- effective means to improve health care service delivery with an emphasis on developing high quality services that is patient centric with reduced inequity of services and a whole system approach. Quality care of vascular surgery patients commences in the pre-operative period and extends to the postoperative coordination of care and long-term surveillance. Efficient use of technology and data is now a prerequisite for supporting and enabling the key developments needed to reshape the health and care system .To meet the challenges of improving health and providing timely, efficient, safer, cost- effective care, technology via nurse led virtual clinics has been introduced to help tackle inequalities and improve access to services for all. Surveillance for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and post endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is challenging, costly, lengthy and a burden for the patient and health care system. A trial of nurse led virtual clinic was set up in February 2016 for vascular patients mainly on abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance and post endoluminal aneurysm repair. Discussions held with the vascular multidisciplinary team determined the patients to be considered for a nurse led virtual clinic. Technology media such as use of telephone and texting were utilised for virtual consultation. Face to face consultations were replaced by virtual media. Virtual clinics were documented and captured via a clinic letter and database. To date it has been widely accepted by the patients and health service with positive feedback and has extended into other areas within the vascular service. It is essential that the expert nurse is knowledgeable, skilful and offers accurate health advice to the patients. Albeit, virtual clinics tend to have a linear format,the expert nurse should be able to identify possible complications. The benefit of this model of care has proven to be successful among both patients and the health service. Benefits reported include effective communication between patients and specialists, reduced travel time and cost especially to those in rural areas. It has improved the patient journey,clinic capacity and proven cost –effective to vascular service
Audience Take Away:
• Maximising the utilization of expert skilled nurses to their potential
• Developing nurse led virtual clinics in their own specialty areas to decrease burden on the outpatient clinics
• Enhancing nursing leadership and autonomy
• Delivering patient centred care which is equitable, high quality, safe and cost- effective
