Considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital identified using an implementation science approach

Abstract Virtual hospitals are rapidly being implemented internationally. Research has predominantly focused on clinical outcomes not implementation. We aimed to identify pre-implementation determinants to enable health services to tailor virtual hospital models, increasing likelihood of suitability...

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Main Authors: Olivia J. Fisher, Caroline Grogan, Andrew Barron, Shanthi Kanagarajah, Sue-Ellen Smith, Ian Smith, Kelly McGrath
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-01-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-85965-5
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author Olivia J. Fisher
Caroline Grogan
Andrew Barron
Shanthi Kanagarajah
Sue-Ellen Smith
Ian Smith
Kelly McGrath
author_facet Olivia J. Fisher
Caroline Grogan
Andrew Barron
Shanthi Kanagarajah
Sue-Ellen Smith
Ian Smith
Kelly McGrath
author_sort Olivia J. Fisher
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Virtual hospitals are rapidly being implemented internationally. Research has predominantly focused on clinical outcomes not implementation. We aimed to identify pre-implementation determinants to enable health services to tailor virtual hospital models, increasing likelihood of suitability, acceptability, uptake, clinical effectiveness, and sustainability. We aimed to inform the design and implementation of a private Australian virtual hospital by identifying contextual barriers, enablers, and considerations. We conducted a qualitative pre-implementation determinant study using snowball sampling and semi-structured interviews (n = 37) between February and July 2023 with consumers/carers/both (n = 11), clinicians (doctors/allied health/nursing/personal carers), hospital, health service and aged care leadership (n = 22), and public health stakeholders (n=4). Deductive framework analysis based on the PERCS implementation science framework was used. The following key determinants were identified: Enablers – strong executive leadership support; enthusiasm for expanding rural and remote services; need for a clear vision; strong tension for change; commitment to high-quality healthcare. Major barrier: restrictive funding models that stifle opportunities for innovation. Other barriers: technological limitations; communication challenges; workforce issues; clinicians’ opinions varied on safety and suitability of virtual healthcare. This implementation science approach enabled identification of a broad set of determinants not previously reported, relevant locally and for an international audience. Evaluation of implementation outcomes is necessary.
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spelling doaj-art-35bb4e7a097a458c84a20b4a43c1d1e62025-02-02T12:22:05ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-01-0115111310.1038/s41598-025-85965-5Considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital identified using an implementation science approachOlivia J. Fisher0Caroline Grogan1Andrew Barron2Shanthi Kanagarajah3Sue-Ellen Smith4Ian Smith5Kelly McGrath6Wesley Research InstituteWesley Research InstituteWesley Research InstituteQueensland Physician CareBlueCare CommunitySt Andrew’s War Memorial HospitalWesley Research InstituteAbstract Virtual hospitals are rapidly being implemented internationally. Research has predominantly focused on clinical outcomes not implementation. We aimed to identify pre-implementation determinants to enable health services to tailor virtual hospital models, increasing likelihood of suitability, acceptability, uptake, clinical effectiveness, and sustainability. We aimed to inform the design and implementation of a private Australian virtual hospital by identifying contextual barriers, enablers, and considerations. We conducted a qualitative pre-implementation determinant study using snowball sampling and semi-structured interviews (n = 37) between February and July 2023 with consumers/carers/both (n = 11), clinicians (doctors/allied health/nursing/personal carers), hospital, health service and aged care leadership (n = 22), and public health stakeholders (n=4). Deductive framework analysis based on the PERCS implementation science framework was used. The following key determinants were identified: Enablers – strong executive leadership support; enthusiasm for expanding rural and remote services; need for a clear vision; strong tension for change; commitment to high-quality healthcare. Major barrier: restrictive funding models that stifle opportunities for innovation. Other barriers: technological limitations; communication challenges; workforce issues; clinicians’ opinions varied on safety and suitability of virtual healthcare. This implementation science approach enabled identification of a broad set of determinants not previously reported, relevant locally and for an international audience. Evaluation of implementation outcomes is necessary.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-85965-5Healthcare deliveryImplementation scienceVirtual hospitalVirtual healthcareDigital healthHealth services research
spellingShingle Olivia J. Fisher
Caroline Grogan
Andrew Barron
Shanthi Kanagarajah
Sue-Ellen Smith
Ian Smith
Kelly McGrath
Considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital identified using an implementation science approach
Scientific Reports
Healthcare delivery
Implementation science
Virtual hospital
Virtual healthcare
Digital health
Health services research
title Considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital identified using an implementation science approach
title_full Considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital identified using an implementation science approach
title_fullStr Considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital identified using an implementation science approach
title_full_unstemmed Considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital identified using an implementation science approach
title_short Considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital identified using an implementation science approach
title_sort considerations for establishment of a private virtual hospital identified using an implementation science approach
topic Healthcare delivery
Implementation science
Virtual hospital
Virtual healthcare
Digital health
Health services research
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-85965-5
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