THE initiative in Donegal is changing how Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is managed, delivering significant clinical and economic benefits while empowering patients to manage their condition at home.

The Community and Acute Respiratory Excellence (CARE) Virtual Ward (CVW) is a 20-bedded remote care model funded by the Sláintecare Integration Fund.

It was launched in November 2023 and has now been independently evaluated, with results showing major reductions in hospital use, improved patient outcomes, and substantial cost savings for the HSE.

Historically, Letterkenny University Hospital saw 38 per cent of emergency department admissions related to respiratory conditions, with 28.7 per cent of COPD patients readmitted within 30 days — the highest in Ireland.

Early project results showed a 20 per cent drop in COPD admissions and a 50 per cent drop in readmissions, and the new evaluation confirms 934 hospital bed days avoided and over €4.2 million in potential savings compared to usual care.

Using Bluetooth-enabled monitoring devices to track respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and heart rate, patients are safely cared for at home while their data is reviewed daily via a traffic-light triage system.

This enables early intervention when signs of deterioration appear and provides a step-down option after hospital discharge, reducing readmissions.

Patients also receive multimedia education, personalised care plans, and rescue medication packs, with referrals accepted from GPs, Respiratory Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) and the COPD Outreach Team.

Liam, a COPD patient, stated he had ‘lost count’ of the number of admissions he had before going on the Community Virtual Ward.

“Honestly, it’s hard to put into words what it’s done for me, it’s just changed my life,” Liam said.

“I found it very comforting that you had your iPAD and that there was somebody, somewhere looking at it.”

Dr Bukari, Clinical Lead for the CARE Virtual Ward, Donegal, said: “The CARE Virtual Ward has helped patients stay well, avoid hospital admissions, and feel safer and more supported, all while easing pressure on our hospitals.

“This evaluation shows that integrated, digitally enabled care is both practical and effective.

“It is a model that could transform how we manage chronic conditions in Ireland.”

For more information on the CARE virtual ward contact CareVirtualWardDGL@hse.ie