Virtual Psychiatric Unit (VPU)
Mental Health - Adult & Senior
Provided by Fraser Health
Provides 24 hour nursing support through virtual interactions and regular psychiatric support.
The VPU allows patients to receive 24/7 hospital-level psychiatric interventions, safely and conveniently, from the comfort of their own home. Using a combination of remote patient monitoring and home visits, the unit’s multidisciplinary health care team aims to allow for earlier supported discharges from traditional inpatient psychiatry units.
Care is provided to patients through use of innovative technologies, such as iPads for virtual video visits, and remote patient monitoring devices for vital sign readings. While receiving hospital intervention from their home, patients have the ability to continue with their day-to-day activities, while focusing on their recovery goals. VPU services include:
Care is provided to patients through use of innovative technologies, such as iPads for virtual video visits, and remote patient monitoring devices for vital sign readings. While receiving hospital intervention from their home, patients have the ability to continue with their day-to-day activities, while focusing on their recovery goals. VPU services include:
- Access to 24/7 Nursing Care – scheduled appointments & the ability to contact VPU directly by phone at any time
- Family and Natural Supports are included into patients care
- Allied health services: Occupational Therapists, Recreation Therapist, Social Workers, Peer Support Workers, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Pharmacist, and Physicians for medical care needs
- Receive medical procedures in the hospital as needed such as: Lab, ECG, EEG, Medical Imaging, Clozapine starts, ECT starts or maintenance
- Referrals to Community Mental Health Teams & Community Supports initiated for post discharge follow up
- Scheduled or urgent home visits as clinically indicated
- Escalation of care back to traditional hospital setting if required – we follow existing MHSU Access and Flow Processes
Eligibility Criteria:
- Patient must be age 18 +
- Patient must meet MHSU Acute Care Level of Observation (LOO) Level 3
- Patient must not be at acute or imminent risk of harm to self or others
- Patient must voluntarily agree to participate in the Virtual Psychiatry Unit
- Patient must have a safe home environment and privacy for virtual visits
- Patient must be Voluntary
- Can be referred from the Emergency Department and IPU
- Pt must have address residing in Fraser Health Region
- Patient must have access to personal email address (used for virtual visits with health care team)
604-572-2671
Cost: No cost
Referral options:
- Health Authority personnel referral
Associated Programs/Services
Also offered by Fraser Health:
Just the closest matches listed. Click to see more!- Mental Health Supported Housing and Residential Program
- Fraser Health Mental Health Crisis Line - 24/7 emotional support
- Psychosis Treatment Optimization Program (PTOP)
Availability
Service area: Fraser Health Area
Service Types Provided
Ways to Access
- Provided online: email / video / on-line
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.