Leicester surgical virtual ward model

Abstract

The surgical virtual ward model is a healthcare framework for the remote monitoring and triaging of postoperative patients. The model offers a decision-making tool for identifying postoperative compli

Claims

1. A Post-Operative Patient Monitoring Model, comprising:o A system for assessing patient health at patient’s home after expedited discharge that merges the Early Warning Score (EWS) with specific indicators of Bespoke common early post-operative complications unique to surgical recovery,o Said model is configured to monitor vital signs as per EWS, including respiratory rate, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature alongside bespoke complication-specific indicators.

2. The Model of Claim 1, wherein:o The model integrates bespoke early post-operative complications specific to surgical procedures, including but not limited to anastomotic leaks, intraabdominal abscesses, ileus, and wound infections.o These complications are assessed through symptoms and signs typical of the early post-operative period, such as abnormal wound discharge, changes in stoma output, abdominal pain, and signs of infection.

3. A Classification System for Early Post-Operative Complications, as part of the model in Claim 1, wherein:o The model stratifies patients into risk categories labeled Green, Amber, and Red, based on the severity of early post-operative complications combined with EWS metrics.■ Green: Low-risk complications that align with expected post-operative recovery, requiring minimal to no intervention.■ Amber: Indicators of moderate complications that may signal the development of conditions such as early-stage ileus or mild wound infection, necessitating closer monitoring,scheduled appointment / videocalls■ Red: High-risk indicators of severe complications, such as an anastomotic leak or significant intra-abdominal infection, prompting immediate clinical assessment.

4. A Daily Classification and Scoring System, as part of the model in Claim 1, wherein:o The model employs validated scoring systems to evaluate complications likely to emerge on early post-operative days, automatically classifying patients into Green, Amber, or Red risk categories.o This classification is dynamically adjusted based on daily assessments, providing insights into risks associated with the day-specific onset of complications.

5. The Model of Claim 3, wherein:o The model employs a scoring algorithm that assesses patient inputs from bespoke post-operative symptoms alongside EWS, generating a cumulative risk score.o The cumulative score dynamically places patients into the Green, Amber, or Red categories, facilitating early detection and timely management of complications specific to the initial post-operative days.

6. A Post-Operative Digital Monitoring Platform, utilizing the model in Claim 1, wherein:o The platform enables the input of early post-operative complication symptoms such as stoma output, abdominal distension, nausea, and wound condition, specifically tailored to the patient's surgical procedure.o The model processes these bespoke post-operative indicators in conjunction with EWS to classify the patient's risk and automatically alert healthcare providers based on the risk level.

7. The Model of Claim 1, adaptable for multiple types of surgical procedures, wherein: o The model includes specific parameters for monitoring bespoke complications related to colorectal, gynecological, orthopedic, and other surgeries, with risk classification criteria tailored to early post-operative complications unique to each type.

8. A Method for Early Post-Operative Triage and Decision-Making, using the model of Claim 1, wherein:o The method supports healthcare providers in remotely identifying early postoperative complications through the integrated monitoring of bespoke postoperative symptoms, facilitating timely interventions based on the combined assessment of EWS and complication-specific indicators.T +44(0)30 0300 2000A

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