An analysis conducted by NHS England on the effectiveness of virtual wards has revealed that black and ethnic minority individuals are not adequately represented in patient cohorts.
The assessment, released on 16 May 2024, coincides with NHS England’s initiative to expand access to virtual wards in order to decrease unnecessary hospital admissions and reduce wait times in emergency departments.
The research, undertaken by consultancy PPL and commissioned by NHS England South East Region, investigated 29 virtual ward pathways in the south east, representing 49% of the region’s total capacity at the time.
The report highlights the need for targeted research to identify the barriers preventing access, noting the consistent underrepresentation of black and minority ethnic individuals in virtual ward patient groups. It also points out the lack of complete ethnicity data in patient records.
The challenges in access and representation in virtual wards are attributed to issues such as incomplete ethnicity data collection, language and cultural barriers, and a disconnect between referral demographics and geographic profiles.
In response, some regions have planned outreach initiatives to engage black and minority ethnic communities, aiming to raise awareness and promote the utilization of virtual ward services.
Jabeer Butt, CEO of the Race Equality Foundation, expressed concern over the disparities identified in the report, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues related to access and representation in healthcare innovations.
An NHS England spokesperson reassured that addressing health inequalities and ensuring equal access are fundamental aspects of the virtual wards program, with ongoing efforts to collaborate with partners across the healthcare system to address disparities.
They highlighted the success of the virtual wards program in delivering hospital-level care to patients at home, and its expansion to encompass various health conditions including frailty, heart failure, and acute respiratory infections.
