Virtual Ward to Enable Earlier Hospital Discharge
Virtual Ward for Early Discharge in Patients Receiving Inpatient Care: A Prospective Feasibility Study on Home Monitoring for the Early Discharge of Eligible Hospitalized Patients in an Outpatient Setting
This project tests whether eligible hospitalized adults can go home sooner and be safely cared for through a Virtual Ward using remote vital-sign monitoring, home diagnostics, and telemedicine support.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 306 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Erasmus Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rotterdam) |
| Trial ID | NCT06936891 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center prospective cohort effort at Erasmus MC enrolls adult inpatients who are clinically stable enough for early discharge into one of six predefined care pathways. Enrolled patients leave the hospital earlier and receive hospital-level monitoring and treatment at home via the Digizorg app, digital vital-sign devices, structured anamnesis questionnaires, and clinician oversight. The primary feasibility goal is to determine whether at least 30% of eligible patients can be successfully and safely transferred to the Virtual Ward within current Dutch healthcare conditions. Outcomes include successful transfer rates, safety events, and the practicality of delivering diagnostics and treatments at home across the sub-cohorts.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) currently hospitalized who are clinically judged suitable for early discharge, have a safe home environment and internet-connected smartphone or tablet, and can use the Digizorg app or have caregiver support are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are hemodynamically unstable, need continuous in-hospital interventions or high-flow oxygen, have severe cognitive impairment without adequate caregiver support, or lack home internet/smartphone access are unlikely to benefit from the Virtual Ward.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could let more patients recover at home while preserving hospital capacity and maintaining clinical oversight.
How similar studies have performed: A growing body of international hospital-at-home and Virtual Ward programs has shown safety and reduced inpatient days, but feasibility across diverse acute cohorts in the Dutch system remains less established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients (≥18 years old). * Currently hospitalized and eligible for early discharge according to clinical judgment. * Ability to provide written informed consent. * Access to a smartphone or tablet with internet connection. * Patient is capable of using the Digizorg app or has support from a caregiver who can assist. * Suitable home situation for Virtual Ward care (e.g., safe environment, necessary utilities available). * Enrollment in one of the predefined Virtual Ward care pathways Exclusion Criteria: * Patients requiring continuous hospital-based monitoring or interventions that cannot be safely delivered at home. * Patients who are hemodynamically unstable or require oxygen therapy \>5 liters/minute at the time of discharge. * Patients unable or unwilling to comply with home monitoring procedures. * Patients with significant cognitive impairment without adequate caregiver support. * Patients with a life expectancy less than 30 days, as assessed by the treating physician. * Patients participating in another interventional clinical trial that could interfere with the Virtual Ward protocol. * Any other condition that, in the opinion of the treating physician, would make participation unsafe or infeasible.
Where this trial is running
Rotterdam
- Erasmus Medical Center — Rotterdam, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cox van de Weg, MD, PhD — Erasmus Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Michael C. van Herwerden, MD
- Email: m.vanherwerden@erasmusmc.nl
- Phone: +31107040704
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.