Context and Aim The target audience was the clinical team caring for patients suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19 at the Hatherton Centre, a secure psychiatric unit in Stafford, West Midlands. The COVID-19 pandemic presented multiple challenges: a novel disease alongside staff with little experience of managing acute medical needs for complex psychiatric patients, staff’s risk of contracting or transmitting COVID, utilising staff working from home and decision making reflecting new research.

Method A twice daily virtual medical ward round was piloted using Microsoft Teams to provide medical leadership in the management of COVID-related patients for 5 separate clinical teams working in the unit.This also allowed staff working from home to be involved, information to be shared and communication improved with all involved. It further ensured that clinicians’ time was spent more efficiently and minimised the risk of people moving between wards. Feedback was sought throughout and the ward round was adapted accordingly. Post-ward round feedback was sought by distributing a questionnaire to those directly involved. The questionnaire comprised nine questions comparing ‘before’ and ‘after’ the ward rounds were implemented.

Results Results showed a considerable improvement following the ward round. Staff felt more prepared, more confident, reassured with decision making, better informed and witnessed improved team working and clear leadership. In addition staff spent less time on the ward, therefore reducing the risk of contracting/transmitting COVID. Problems, including poor internet connection, better communication to ward staff and discussion of un-related issues were resolved.

Conclusions This project shows how IT can be utilised to provide leadership and help manage new problems. It enabled staff working from home to support patients/colleagues, supported colleagues on the ward and contributed to staff wellbeing in a particularly challenging time.