JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

This rapid review examined the role of virtual hospitals in enhancing regional and remote healthcare by focusing on accessibility, patient and provider experiences, and implementation barriers and facilitators. It provides tailored recommendations for large-scale implementation in communities with access issues, contributing to the discussion on equitable healthcare.

Objective:

This research examined the role of virtual hospitals in enhancing regional and remote healthcare by focusing on accessibility, patient and provider experiences, and implementation barriers and facilitators. It provides tailored recommendations for large-scale implementation in communities with access issues, contributing to the discussion on equitable healthcare.

Methods:

A rapid review was conducted in accordance with WHO guidelines. A systematic search was performed across PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and the La Trobe University Library for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2015 and March 2023. Additional grey literature was identified through Google searches and snowballing from relevant web articles. Studies were included if they focused on regional or remote populations and addressed virtual hospitals (VH) or virtual care. Studies that solely discussed hybrid models of care were excluded.    Data was systematically extracted using a customised Excel template. A mixed-methods thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes, barriers, facilitators, and recommendations related to VH implementation, as well as patterns in clinical outcomes and stakeholder perspectives. 

Results:

A total of 35 articles were included in this review, comprising 23 peer-reviewed studies and 12 grey literature sources. Positive clinical outcomes were reported in 9 articles (25%), highlighting outcomes such as reduced disease transmission, improved patient safety, fewer admissions and readmissions, lower mortality, shorter hospital stays, and better adherence to clinical best practices. Health system outcomes were identified in 15 articles (43%), including reduced costs, enhanced patient experience and safety, improved care delivery and provider support, greater efficiency, broader geographic coverage, and better integration of services. Patient and provider perspectives were discussed in 12 articles (34%), with positive views attributed to convenience, time and cost savings, and improved service quality. Barriers and facilitators were the most frequently discussed themes, appearing in 77% (n=27) and 74% (n=26) of articles respectively, with challenges and enablers commonly linked to people, processes, technology, and financial sustainability. 

Conclusions:

Virtual hospitals have the potential to revolutionise regional and remote healthcare by overcoming barriers, utilising facilitators, and following recommended practices, leading to better clinical outcomes and increased satisfaction for patients and providers.