VlVA – Video linked visits for assessment

About the project

Our prototype live video link system facilitates hospital therapists to conduct home assessments to speed patient discharge.

Patients not being able to go home when they are otherwise ready to be discharged majorly impacts NHS hospital services – as seen in news headlines. It also slows the patients return to their home. Part of the blockage is due to hospital therapists not being able to leave their hospital duties to visit the patients home to make sure they will be able to manage activities of daily living. By allowing therapists to remotely supervise and document assessments that employ a person in the community to visit their patient's home, discharge can be more timely.

Measurements such as step or chair heights, or door widths can be prompted by the therapist as needed. Loose carpets can be observed. Often assistive technologies (eg grab rails) have to be installed to facilitate the independence the patient requires to be back in their home. These and other pertinent observations can be documented and the needs be suggested for discharge.

Another benefit of the system is that the patient, while still in hospital, can be part of the process of the remote visit to their home, offering reassurance to the patient.