Glossary > Healthcare > Telehealth Services > General

Teletriage

Teletriage is a process in healthcare where medical professionals assess and prioritize patients remotely to determine the urgency of their medical needs. Through phone calls, video consultations, or online forms, trained staff evaluate symptoms and help patients decide if they need immediate care, a doctor's appointment, or self-care at home.

Example #1

An individual wakes up with chest pain and uses a teletriage service to speak with a nurse who guides them on whether they should go to the emergency room or if it's safe to monitor at home.

Example #2

A parent contacts a telehealth platform regarding their child's fever and is triaged to a pediatrician for a virtual consultation to determine the next steps.

Misuse

Misuse of teletriage could involve improper assessment leading to misjudged urgency, potentially delaying necessary medical attention. For example, if a teletriage nurse dismisses severe symptoms as non-urgent, the patient's condition could worsen without proper medical intervention. It is crucial to ensure that teletriage services are staffed with well-trained professionals to prevent such misjudgments.

Benefits

One significant benefit of teletriage is timely and efficient healthcare access, especially in underserved areas or during emergencies. For instance, in rural areas where immediate medical care might be far away, teletriage can quickly connect patients with appropriate resources or advise first aid measures until help arrives.

Conclusion

Teletriage plays a vital role in assessing patients' medical needs promptly, guiding them to the right level of care, and optimizing resources within the healthcare system. It enhances convenience, accessibility, and can potentially save lives by ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate medical attention.