Investigating consultant-led virtual review as a model for implementing 7-day cardiology services in UK clinical practice.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Disparities between weekend and weekday care, termed 'the weekend effect', have led to a UK government pledge to provide 7-day services. Despite this, poor outcomes have led to criticism of the programme. This study consequently sought to evaluate consultant-led virtual review as a model for 7-day cardiology services. METHODS: Over 4 weekends, cardiology patients underwent virtual review alongside in-person teams. Outcomes included length of stay, same-day discharge and 30-day mortality rates, as well as duration of ward rounds and change in patient management. Patients were surveyed on attitudes towards virtual review. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in clinical outcomes, while virtual review was noted to significantly decrease time taken (p<0.0001). Attitudes towards virtual review were broadly favourable. CONCLUSION: By demonstrating comparable outcomes compared with conventional review, as well as high acceptability, this study identified virtual review as an effective substitute for in-person care.