This Rapid Evidence Scan examined the effectiveness of virtual hospital models of care. While no reviews evaluated a complete model, tele-healthcare only and tele-healthcare with remote telemonitoring interventions demonstrated similar or significantly better clinical or health system outcomes including reduced hospitalisations, readmissions, emergency department visits and length of stay, compared to usual care, including those delivered without home visits or face-to-face care. The use of the Internet showed mixed but promising results. The strongest evidence was for cardiac failure, coronary heart disease, diabetes and stroke rehabilitation. Nurses played a central role in home visiting, providing telephone support and education. However, the studies were heterogenous and the results should be interpreted with caution.
Moore G, Du Toit A, Jameson B, Liu A, Harris M. The effectiveness of ‘virtual hospital’ models of care: a Rapid Evidence Scan brokered by the Sax Institute for Sydney Local Health District. doi:10.57022/lwxq3617
