How do we triage correctly
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Importance of Correct Triage Process in Healthcare
Understanding Triage and Its Purpose
Mark explains the fundamental aspects of triage:
- Initial Assessment: Triage ensures patients are swiftly placed on the appropriate treatment pathway for quick intervention and definitive care.
- National Early Warning Score (NEWS): Vital signs are input into the system to compute a NEWS score, indicating the severity of a patient's condition based on various metrics like blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation.
- Pathway Adherence: Following established pathways is crucial, but flexibility may be needed based on patient assessment.
Flexibility in Triage and Pathway Adherence
Mark discusses the balance between following protocol and clinical judgment:
- Deviation from Protocol: Sometimes clinical judgment may necessitate deviation from the standard pathway, prioritizing patient needs over protocol adherence.
- Safeguards and Documentation: Use of system alerts and narrative notes ensures concerns are flagged for priority care and documented appropriately.
Consulting and Collaborating for Safe Decisions
Exploring additional options for handling complex cases:
- System Alerts: Utilize the triage system's alert feature (e.g., stethoscope icon) to notify doctors and nurses of urgent cases.
- Narrative Documentation: Detailed free-text notes provide a comprehensive overview of prioritized findings.
- Consulting Peers: Engage with healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, for second opinions and collaborative decision-making.
Ensuring patient safety and optimal care through informed decisions and collaborative practices remains paramount in triage.