Objectives To identify key factors influencing the implementation of technology-enabled virtual wards (VWs), also known as hospital at home, drawing on the qualitative accounts of stakeholders involved in implementation, using the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) as a guiding analytical framework. Design Qualitative semi-structured interviews with implementation leads.
All interviews were conducted online, using MS Teams or Zoom, between January - June 2024, and audio-recorded with consent. Audio-recordings were transcribed, anonymised and exported to NVivo V.12 Pro software for data management.
The updated CFIR was used to guide thematic analysis of interview data. Setting Adult VW services in one regional health and social care system in North West England, UK.
Participants Service implementation leads from 11 hospital sites providing adult VW services. Job titles and roles varied across sites and included both operational and clinical service leads.
Results 20 interviews were conducted with 22 participants.
BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 24 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on Factors affecting implementation of hospital inpatient-level care at home: a qualitative study of virtual wards in North West England.
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