Remote care and triage of obstetric patients with COVID-19 in the
community: operational considerations.
Abstract
We outline the operational model and outcomes of a successful Maternity
Virtual Ward (MVW) established during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Between
October 2021 and February 2022, 429 patients were referred, of which 228
were admitted to the MVW. Total bed-days was 1,182, mean length of stay
was 6 days (SD 2.3, range 1-14 days). Fifteen (6.6%) required hospital
admission and one (0.4%) critical care. There were no deaths. Patients
alluded to increased safety, comfort, and ease with the technology.
Attention should be given to identifying clinical champions, triage
criteria, technology selection, and flexible escalation pathways,
adaptable to changing patterns of disease.