Glossary > Healthcare > Telehealth Services > Virtual Consultations

Teletriage

Teletriage is a process in telehealth services where healthcare professionals assess patient symptoms remotely to determine the urgency and level of care needed.

Example #1

For instance, a patient experiencing chest pain can contact a teletriage service where a nurse asks questions about the symptoms and recommends seeking immediate care at the hospital if the symptoms indicate a potentially serious condition.

Example #2

Another example is a parent using a teletriage platform for their child with a high fever. The nurse on the line evaluates the child's symptoms and advises on home care, a doctor's visit, or a visit to the emergency room based on the severity of the condition.

Misuse

Misuse of teletriage could occur if a healthcare provider fails to prioritize urgent cases correctly. For instance, if a patient with severe abdominal pain is wrongly directed to seek outpatient care instead of being advised to go to the emergency room, it could lead to harmful delays in treatment. Protecting against such misuse is crucial to ensure patients receive timely and appropriate care.

Benefits

The benefit of teletriage is that it allows patients to receive timely medical guidance without needing to visit a healthcare facility physically. For example, a teletriage service can help individuals determine if their symptoms warrant immediate attention or can be managed at home, thereby reducing unnecessary visits to emergency rooms and enabling more efficient use of healthcare resources.

Conclusion

Teletriage plays a vital role in efficiently managing healthcare resources, ensuring appropriate care for patients, and preventing unnecessary visits to emergency rooms. By utilizing teletriage services, individuals can access timely medical advice and guidance, leading to better healthcare outcomes and resource optimization.