Jannica started to feel ill in September 2023. After staying home for a week she still had high fever and dry cough which made her seek care. The hospital identified a heavy blockage in her airways and oxygenation problems and sent her to the emergency department at St. Goran's Hospital. From there, she was admitted to the Medicine Clinic for four days to receive oxygen and various inhalations. Simultaneously, an investigation was conducted to determine whether the infection was caused by bacteria or a virus.
"I have never been so sick. It's crazy. Especially when you're so young," according to Jannica
On day 5, she was offered the option to continue her treatment with oxygen and inhalation uspport at home on the virtual ward. The extent of round-the-clock monitoring and investigative interventions persisted and but provided through the virtual ward.
"There was a brief assessment by the doctor at the hospital, then the nurse and healthcare assistant came and picked me up, along with all the equipment we had to take home. Then the treatment continued at home," Jannica further explains.
On the virtual ward, Jannica had contact with doctors and nurses during the digital rounds conducted on a daily basis. She also received visits from ambulatory healthcare personnel at home who conducted additional examinations to determine the cause of her breathing problems. After a couple of days at home, she was diagnosed with pneumonia, and the appropriate treatment could then be initiated. During her treatment period, she was observed around the clock, and staff were always on standby in case her health condition worsened.
Jannica's story illustrates how virtual in-home care can both relieve acute hospitals and improve the quality of care and the patient experience. In her condition, Jannica needed round-the-clock monitoring and access to the entire hospital's resources, including an investigation into her unclear health condition and readiness in case of any deterioration.
