Det Virtuelle Hospital, Telemedicinsk Forskningsenhed (TFE), Frederiksberg Hospital, Region Hovedstaden

Frederiksberg University Hospital (Copenhagen – Denmark) has established a research unit of telemedicine (TFE - in Danish Telemedicinsk Forskningsenhed) located in the center of Copenhagen.

TFE consists of a scientific research group working with clinical telemedicine solutions. The aim of the research unit is to provide evidence on clinical telemedicine solutions, quality of care development and furthermore engagement in innovation projects within the telemedicine and IT-technological fields.

TFE is currently working on a project called “The Virtual Hospital” – a clinical study investigating COPD patients treated at home using telemedicine compared to conventional hospital admission.

The Virtual Hospital (the study)

The study is a consecutive, randomized controlled multicenter trial, investigating the feasibility and safety of a telemedicine based treatment regimen in COPD patients, compared to conventional hospital treatment.

The study will be conducted at Frederiksberg University Hospital and Herlev University Hospital. A total of 175 patients will be included in the study and study results are estimated published in 2011.

Within 24 hours after the patient has been admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation of COPD, the patient will be randomized to the intervention group or the control group.

In the intervention group, the treatment will be initiated at the hospital and continued at the patient´s home using telemedicine technology. The technology makes it possible to communicate with the patient using a video conference system (VCS) connected to a telemedicine communication platform.

Further the technology enables measurements of vital patient data (i.e. temperature, pulse, lung function and oxygen saturation) being transferred to the attending physician. The patient will be able to contact the hospital day and night. The control group will receive standard care and treatment at the hospital.