A new collaboration between healthcare and research organisations will evaluate how patient-facing apps can improve virtual hospital care, using Australia’s first virtual hospital as a test case.
The Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC) project brings together Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), Macquarie University and Alcidion to address gaps in understanding how digital tools can enhance remote healthcare delivery.
Led by Macquarie University’s Australian Institute of Health Innovation, researchers will evaluate Royal Prince Alfred virtual hospital (rpavirtual), which pioneered remote monitoring for acute respiratory patients through its dedicated app.
“Our team of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals support patients 24/7, ensuring they receive hospital-level care when and where they need it,” said Associate Professor Angus Ritchie, Clinical Director at Sydney LHD. “This project’s findings will help to ensure virtual hospital services remain sustainable and patient-centred without compromising quality, safety, or clinical outcomes.”
The study comes at a critical time as healthcare systems work to optimise virtual care solutions that were rapidly adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. While these technologies allowed continuity of care during lockdowns, their long-term effectiveness and sustainability require further assessment.
Associate Professor Annie Lau, who will lead the research, emphasised the importance of understanding how technology affects patient experiences: “The research will employ a mixed-methods approach to evaluate its impact and analyse patient-reported experiences. We will measure models of care outcomes, identify factors that affect app uptake in virtual hospital service delivery.”
The project will identify which app features provide the most value to patients, carers and healthcare professionals, leading to recommendations for improving functionality and integration.
“This project is an exciting opportunity to address gaps in evidence and provide practical solutions to enhance virtual hospital care for the long term,” said Annette Schmiede, Digital Health CRC CEO.
Kate Quirke, Managing Director at Alcidion, added: “By collaborating with healthcare providers and leveraging digital tools like patient-facing apps, we can advance the way virtual hospital services operate, ensuring they deliver high-quality care and positive patient experiences.”
The findings are expected to have implications beyond respiratory care, potentially shaping the future of virtual hospital services throughout Australia and internationally.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
