Pediatric Telephone Triage

Overview:

Pediatric phone triage protocols are structured interviews that help a nurse or other medical provider make a decision about whether a patient needs to be seen immediately. This decision is referred to as telephone triage, and it’s an important part of the patient phone call process.

There are several approaches to pediatric phone triage protocols. One approach is to use standardized protocols that are based on clinical guidelines and evidence-based medicine. Another approach is to use computerized decision support systems that can help guide the triage process.

A third approach is to use a combination of standardized protocols and computerized decision support systems. This approach can help ensure that patients receive appropriate care while also reducing the workload of healthcare providers.

Benefits:

The benefits of phone triage include quick and easy access to healthcare services. It can be less embarrassing for patients and caregivers. It is also cost-effective for healthcare providers as it reduces the need for face-to-face consultations. Telephone triage systems can benefit patients and healthcare providers alike if they are used well. They may be cost-effective and lighten workload, reducing the need for face-to-face appointments and home visits.

Challenges:

Pediatric telephone triage can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of patients, but it can also be a significant source of medical liability. As a telephone triage provider, one may feel challenged to provide care in a nontraditional manner, having no physical contact with the patient and thus relying heavily on the use of keen assessment skills, active listening, and critical thinking skills. Despite its importance, few publications exist regarding the education of pediatric residents on telephone triage.

Pediatric Telephone Triage protocols:

Pediatric telephone protocols are simply structured interviews that help a nurse or other medical provider make a decision about whether a patient needs to be seen immediately. Telephone interviews simulated the setting of a triage station in a university hospital-based pediatric emergency department. The Nurse Telephone Triage book provides protocols for newborn calls, illness calls, trauma calls, behavior and development calls, and parent resources.