Virtual Hospitals: Enhancing Patient and Carer Experiences

Virtual hospitals, offering hospital-level care remotely through digital technologies, are gaining prominence as a means to improve access and patient-centered care. A recent study published in the Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes on March 4, 2026, highlights the crucial role of carers – family members and companions – in these models and identifies key areas for improvement in both patient and carer experiences.

The Vital Role of Carers in Virtual Hospital Care

Carers provide essential emotional, practical, and communicative support to patients. Their influence is particularly significant in virtual hospital settings where care is delivered remotely. However, until recently, there has been limited research specifically examining the perspectives of carers regarding virtual hospital care and how their experiences can be optimized.

Study Methodology and Findings

Researchers analyzed Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREM) surveys completed by 3,047 patients and 235 carers discharged from an acute respiratory care model within a virtual hospital between March 1, 2020, and August 26, 2024. The analysis combined statistical methods, including the Mann-Whitney U test to compare responses, with qualitative content analysis of free-text comments regarding the best and most challenging aspects of care.

The overall rating of the virtual hospital service was consistently ‘Excellent’ between both carers and patients. The study identified six key insights for improving the experience for both groups:

• Reassurance: Providing patients and carers with confidence and peace of mind.
• Effective Communication: Clear, timely, and understandable information exchange.
• Consistent Availability: Reliable access to healthcare professionals when needed.
• Supportive Healthcare Workers: Empathetic and helpful staff.
• Person-Centred Clinical Service: Care tailored to individual needs and preferences.
• Usable Technology: Digital platforms and tools that are easy to navigate and use.

Implications for Virtual Hospital Models

The findings underscore the importance of designing virtual hospital models that are inclusive of both patients and their carers. By leveraging data already collected through routine surveys, virtual hospitals can proactively address areas for improvement and enhance the overall care experience. This study emphasizes that understanding and responding to the needs of carers is integral to the success of virtual hospital initiatives.

Future Directions

Continued research is needed to explore the evolving needs of patients and carers in virtual hospital settings. Further investigation into the specific challenges faced by different carer groups and the development of targeted interventions will be crucial for optimizing virtual care delivery and ensuring equitable access to high-quality healthcare.