How this nurse delivers personalised care to patients, even from a distance

Published on 30 July 2024

As a nurse with the NUHS@Home team, Assistant Nurse Clinician Wang Xi leverages digital technology to enhance access to healthcare services for patients.

After over 12 years as a nurse at the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (ICU), National University Hospital (NUH), Assistant Nurse Clinician Wang Xi embraced a significant career shift in 2023, as she ventured into home-based care with the NUHS@Home team. 

The NUHS@Home programme provides eligible patients with an alternative to conventional hospital care, allowing them to receive acute care services in the comfort of their own homes. Supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, patients receive comprehensive care and support as their conditions are remotely monitored through smart devices.

As a nurse with the NUHS@Home team, Wang Xi plays a pivotal role in delivering essential nursing services through tele-monitoring and tele-triaging. Conducting virtual consultations and leveraging remote monitoring systems, she ensures timely interventions for her patients, thereby ensuring continuity of care and proactive management of their health. 

She elaborated, “Through these methods, I strive to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare services, offering personalised care and support even from a distance.

“It is crucial to gather timely observations and feedback on the patient's movements and daily activities to ensure accurate monitoring and proactive intervention. Without the physical presence that traditional nursing offers, interpreting these virtual cues becomes essential in delivering high-quality care and maintaining a strong patient-provider relationship in a remote setting.”

In addition to virtual services, Wang Xi's role includes personalised home visits tailored to each patient's needs. These visits comprise essential nursing procedures, home environment assessments, and medical reconciliation to deliver comprehensive care that is customised to each individual patient.

“By combining virtual consultations with in-person care, I ensure a holistic approach to the patient’s well-being, while promoting a seamless transition between hospital and home settings for optimal healthcare delivery,” said Wang Xi.

Providing care in an acute care setting may seem significantly different from delivering it in patients' homes, but Wang Xi found the transition surprisingly smooth.

Reflecting on her experience, she explained, “Years of acute critical care experience have equipped me with skills in case management, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and both general and specialised critical care expertise.”

She continued, “All the skills learnt from the Cardiothoracic ICU are incredibly useful. I can apply my critical thinking skills to assess and prioritise patients’ needs based on the information available in a virtual setting. Case management allows me to make informed decisions when managing the patient, and effective communication remains crucial when interacting with patients and their caregivers.”

Wang Xi also revealed that there are multiple training opportunities available to help nurses adapt to the digital nature of the NUHS@Home programme.

“Training and career development opportunities in a virtual ward setting can be diverse and dynamic, with the aim of equipping healthcare professionals with the skills necessary to excel in a digital healthcare environment,” said Wang Xi.

“By remaining curious, flexible, and dedicated to professional growth, nurses can excel in this evolving field and make a lasting impact on patient care outcomes.”

Wang Xi highlighted the importance of nursing sponsorship programmes for aspiring nurses, and advised them to take advantage of these opportunities for a head start in their careers.

“Sponsorships can significantly benefit aspiring nurses by providing financial support, mentorship opportunities, and access to valuable resources,” Wang Xi said.

“These sponsorships not only alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a nursing education but also offer guidance and networking opportunities for career advancement. Moreover, they can open doors to internships, specialised training programmes, and professional development opportunities, ultimately enhancing the skill set and knowledge base of future nurses.”

Join NUHS nursing or apply for an NUHS nursing sponsorship today! Visit Nursing Careers in Singapore - NUHS | National University Health System for more information.