Case study: COVID Oximetry at Home Service
The North and Mid Hampshire area was at the forefront of one of the key advances in keeping people with COVID-19 safe, without having to spend time in an acute hospital.
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent that some people contracting the virus were experiencing falling blood oxygen levels but displaying no symptoms. That meant that a patient would be unaware of the severity of their condition until a crisis point was reached.
The COVID Oximetry at Home service brought together hospital teams, primary care staff, and the Wessex Academic Health Sciences Network to enable patients with the virus, and at risk of deterioration, to monitor their blood oxygen levels at home, recording and reporting the results three times a day.
The service was led by a team of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and supported by GPs. At its heart, the solution was simple: by equipping patients with a simple blood oxygen monitor and asking them to measure and report their oxygen levels regularly, any deterioration could be identified early.
This innovation, which was rapidly adopted elsewhere, was associated with significant improvements in the number of patients becoming seriously ill, needing hospital admission, and having to be admitted into intensive care.
The digital service was shortlisted in the Best Use of Integrated Care and Partnership Working in Patient Safety category in the HSJ Patient Safety Awards 2021.
Further innovation and integration in the North and Mid Hampshire area was demonstrated by the introduction of a new role, the Senior Lead for Discharge to Assess, Access, and Triage.
This role takes operational leadership, working across the whole system, to help patients ‘flow’ through the system as quickly and effectively as possible. The role is a tangible example of how boundaries between organisations are being lowered, for the benefit of patients.
The feedback from those taking part in the scheme has been hugely positive and 100% of those using the pulse oximeters who completed the survey said they found the monitoring helpful.
“A really good service. When I was really poorly I felt very reassured you were there. Thank you so much.”
“Wonderful service when needed a great help and would like to thank everyone involved with my health whist struggling with coronavirus.”
“I think this service is very good, it’s very efficient and it helps give peace of mind when you’re feeling so unwell thank you.”