A virtual ward with remote monitoring for urgent CABG patients had 0% preoperative MACE, 0% 30-day mortality, saved 1152 bed-days, and had 95% patient safety satisfaction.
Does a virtual ward pathway with remote monitoring safely reduce inpatient bed-days without increasing preoperative MACE in patients awaiting urgent CABG surgery?
A virtual ward with remote monitoring is a safe and feasible strategy for selected patients awaiting urgent CABG, effectively reducing inpatient bed utilization without compromising preoperative safety.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Background Delays in performing urgent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are increasing across the UK, with national wait times now exceeding guideline targets. Prolonged preoperative admissions contribute to hospital bed pressures, increased costs and negative psychosocial effects for patients. Virtual wards using remote patient monitoring (RPM) may enable safe early discharge for clinically stable patients awaiting surgery. Objectives To evaluate the feasibility, safety and outcomes of a virtual ward pathway using RPM for patients awaiting urgent CABG surgery. Methods A prospective, multicentre, single-arm study was conducted across three UK cardiac centres (December 2022–May 2025). Eligible patients were discharged home with daily symptom reporting via a digital platform and structured clinician review. The primary outcome was preoperative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, resternotomy, time to surgery, postoperative stay, readmissions and patient experience. Results 128 patients were enrolled (mean age 61 years; 87% male). No preoperative MACE occurred (0%; 95% CI 0.0% to 2.3%). 30-day mortality was 0% (95% CI 0.0% to 2.9%), and resternotomy occurred in 2.3%, comparable to national rates. Median time from discharge to surgery was 10 days, saving an estimated 1152 inpatient bed-days. Postoperative length of stay was 7.0 days compared with a national average of 8.0 (p=0.084). Patient experience was favourable: 95% felt safe at home, and 89% found the platform easy to use. Conclusions A virtual ward pathway with remote monitoring for selected patients awaiting urgent CABG was safe, feasible and associated with high patient acceptability and major reductions in inpatient utilisation. These findings support this model as a scalable approach to managing urgent surgical pathways while preserving safety and surgical timelines.
Kirupananthavel et al. (Thu,) reported a other. A virtual ward with remote monitoring for urgent CABG patients had 0% preoperative MACE, 0% 30-day mortality, saved 1152 bed-days, and had 95% patient safety satisfaction.