Study that assesses the extent to which multidisciplinary case management in the form of virtual wards led to changes in the use of health care and social care by patients at high predicted risk of future unplanned hospital admission.
The primary aim was to determine whether virtual wards have led to changes in rates of unplanned hospital admission compared to matched controls, and if so at what cost. The secondary aims were to assess the impact of the intervention on rates of A&E attendance, social care provision, GP practice visits, and the use of community health services.
A summary overview of the results of 100 unannounced inspections of acute NHS hospitals in England between March and June 2011, looking at standards of dignity and nutrition on wards caring for elderly people.