Telehealth Resources

A specialist wound telehealth service was established to deliver equitable service with parity of access to wound care for all residents of 38 nursing homes in Sussex with wounds of any type (n=579). All patients were managed using a systematic telehealth approach that combined digital and in-patient consultations according to established protocols and care pathways. Data for a three-year period was analysed by hand to determine patient demographics, wound type and discharge outcomes for all patients with wounds. The results showed that the mean age of patients was 86 years, with the majority being female (80% healed and 66% deceased). Referral outcomes were referred onwards (n=92), healed (n=234) or deceased (n=253). The most prevalent wound type was pressure ulceration in both healed and deceased patient groups (60% and 59%, respectively), followed by lower limb wounds (20% and 26%, respectively). Mean time to healing or death were 103 days versus 86 days, respectively. The authors concluded that the collaborative use of a specialist wound telehealth service ensured that all residents received prompt, evidence-based wound care. Healing was achieved in this vulnerable patient population, despite the existence of numerous barriers to healing. Patients nearing end of life with a wound received palliative wound management. The time to healing in this group cannot be commented upon due to lack of comparative studies in this patient population.

There is no doubt that families affected by dementia have faced many new challenges as a result of Covid-19. The suspension and closure of support services, enforced lockdown and changes to important daily routines have influenced the way in which families affected by dementia have gained support. Health and social care services have recognised the need to adapt by incorporating telehealth as a substitute to existing care models; however, some have faced challenges in providing such care to this patient population. This paper explores the use of telephone helplines as a means of support for families affected by dementia during Covid-19, commenting on the advantages and disadvantages and reflecting on the experience of a dementia specialist helpline nurse.