A specialist respiratory team in Midlothian, Scotland is revolutionizing the way lung disease patients receive care by delivering it directly to their homes. The Community Respiratory Team (CRT) aims to reduce the amount of time patients spend in the hospital, having identified the importance of providing comprehensive care to patients with conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, and it mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke or have smoked.
Jannette Huxley, a 70-year-old COPD patient, describes the experience of a flare-up as feeling like drowning, with no air coming in and a heavy feeling in the chest. Huxley frequently required hospital treatment for her lung disease until she was referred to the CRT. The team provides various services, including physiotherapy, psychological support, and advice on healthy lifestyle practices. Since receiving care from the CRT, Huxley has noticed a significant improvement in her condition. The team’s presence and accessibility have given her a sense of security, ultimately reducing panic and the need for hospital admissions.
Midlothian has the highest rate of COPD in Scotland, and the new respiratory team aims to reduce hospital stays and free up beds for other patients. Data from NHS Lothian show that there have been 146 fewer hospital admissions in the past year due to the availability of appropriate care in the community. This model of care, known as a “virtual ward,” allows patients to receive necessary treatment at home, saving money, freeing up hospital resources, and improving the overall patient experience.
Dr. Gourab Chowdray, the clinical lead for COPD at NHS Lothian, believes that the virtual ward model has been successful in reducing the need for COPD patients to come to the hospital during flare-ups. This approach not only prevents unnecessary hospital admissions but also empowers patients to better manage their conditions.
While the virtual ward model has proven effective, one ongoing challenge is the recruitment of healthcare professionals. Despite an increase in the number of allied health professionals working for the NHS in the past five years, there are still significant vacancies, particularly in physiotherapy posts. Nonetheless, patients like Dorothy Keith, who has had COPD for 16 years, have benefited greatly from the care provided by the CRT. Regular contact with the team has enabled her to manage her condition effectively, avoiding hospital admissions and participating in activities like attending a family wedding.
The development of community-based care models, such as the Community Respiratory Team, aligns with the Scottish government’s plans to enhance winter resilience within the NHS. These models prioritize avoiding hospital admissions while ensuring that patients receive high-quality care in the comfort of their homes. As other health boards look to adopt similar approaches, the focus remains on improving patient outcomes, optimizing resources, and reducing the burden on hospitals.
Sources:
– NHS Lothian
– COPD Foundation
