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Fried AJ, Gladman C, DeWalt DA. How Healthcare Providers Decide on a Referral Location in Telephone Triage: A Cross-sectional Study. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08841-4. [PMID: 38831250 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08841-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 25% of patients that present to the emergency department (ED) do so after contact with a healthcare professional. Many of these patients could be effectively managed in non-ED ambulatory settings. Aligning patients with safe and appropriate outpatient care has the potential to improve ED overcrowding, patient experience, outcomes, and costs. Little is understood about how healthcare providers approach triage decision-making and what factors influence their choices. OBJECTIVES To evaluate how providers think about patient triage, and what factors influence their decision-making when triaging patient calls. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey-based study in which participants make triage decisions for hypothetical clinical scenarios. PARTICIPANTS Healthcare providers in the specialties of internal medicine, family medicine, or emergency medicine within a large integrated healthcare system in the Southeast. MAIN MEASURES Differences in individual training and practice characteristics were used to compare observed differences in triage outcomes. Free-response data were evaluated to identify themes and factors affecting triage decisions. KEY RESULTS Out of 72 total participants, substantial variability in triage decision-making was observed among all patient cases. Attending physicians triaged 1.4 fewer cases to ED care compared with resident physicians (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.62-2.1). Academic attendings demonstrated a trend toward fewer cases to ED care compared with community attendings (0.61, p = 0.188, 95% CI - 0.31-1.5). Qualitative data highlighted the complex considerations in provider triage and led to the development of a novel conceptual model to describe the cognitive triage process and the main influencing factors. CONCLUSIONS Triage decision-making for healthcare providers is influenced by many factors related to clinical resources, care coordination, patient factors, and clinician factors. The complex considerations involved yield variability in triage decisions that is largely unexplained by descriptive physician factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Fried
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Christine Gladman
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Darren A DeWalt
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Haimi M, Wheeler SQ. Safety in Teletriage by Nurses and Physicians in the United States and Israel: Narrative Review and Qualitative Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2024; 11:e50676. [PMID: 38526526 PMCID: PMC11002740 DOI: 10.2196/50676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety of telemedicine in general and telephone triage (teletriage) safety in particular have been a focus of concern since the 1970s. Today, telehealth, now subsuming teletriage, has a basic structure and process intended to promote safety. However, inadequate telehealth systems may also compromise patient safety. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated rapid but uneven telehealth growth, both technologically and professionally. Within 5-10 years, the field will likely be more technologically advanced; however, these advances may still outpace professional standards. The need for an evidence-based system is crucial and urgent. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to explore ways that developed teletriage systems produce safe outcomes by examining key system components and questioning long-held assumptions. METHODS We examined safety by performing a narrative review of the literature using key terms concerning patient safety in teletriage. In addition, we conducted system analysis of 2 typical formal systems, physician led and nurse led, in Israel and the United States, respectively, and evaluated those systems' respective approaches to safety. Additionally, we conducted in-depth interviews with representative physicians and 1 nurse using a qualitative approach. RESULTS The review of literature indicated that research on various aspects of telehealth and teletriage safety is still sparse and of variable quality, producing conflicting and inconsistent results. Researchers, possibly unfamiliar with this complicated field, use an array of poorly defined terms and appear to design studies based on unfounded assumptions. The interviews with health care professionals demonstrated several challenges encountered during teletriage, mainly making diagnosis from a distance, treating unfamiliar patients, a stressful atmosphere, working alone, and technological difficulties. However, they reported using several measures that help them make accurate diagnoses and reasonable decisions, thus keeping patient safety, such as using their expertise and intuition, using structured protocols, and considering nonmedical factors and patient preferences (shared decision-making). CONCLUSIONS Remote encounters about acute, worrisome symptoms are time sensitive, requiring decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and urgency. Patient safety and safe professional practice are extremely important in the field of teletriage, which has a high potential for error. This underregulated subspecialty lacks adequate development and substantive research on system safety. Research may commingle terminology and widely different, ill-defined groups of decision makers with wide variation in decision-making skills, clinical training, experience, and job qualifications, thereby confounding results. The rapid pace of telehealth's technological growth creates urgency in identifying safe systems to guide developers and clinicians about needed improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motti Haimi
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Health Systems Management Department, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, Israel
- Meuhedet Healthcare Services - North District, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Islam F, Heeren P, Yang K, Milisen K, Sabbe M. Identifying key items to be addressed by non-clinical operators to manage out-of-hours telephone triage services for older adults seeking non-urgent unplanned care in Belgium: an e-Delphi study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:189. [PMID: 38341533 PMCID: PMC10858535 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10657-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to achieve expert consensus regarding key items to be addressed by non-clinical operators using computer-software integrated medical dispatch protocols to manage out-of-hours telephone triage (OOH-TT) services for calls involving older adults seeking non-urgent unplanned care across Belgium. METHODS A three-part classic e-Delphi study was conducted. A purposive sample of experts specialized in out-of-hours unplanned care and/or older persons across Belgium were recruited as panelists. Eligibility criteria included experts with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Level of consensus was defined to be reached when at least 70% of the panelists agreed or disagreed regarding the value of each item proposed within a survey for the top 10 most frequently used protocols for triaging older adults. Responses were analyzed over several rounds until expert consensus was found. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used to aggregate responses. RESULTS N = 12 panelists agreed that several important missing protocol topics were not covered by the existing OOH-TT service. They also agreed about the nature of use (for the top 10 most frequently used protocols) but justified that some modifications should be made to keywords, interrogation questions, degree of urgency and/or flowcharts used for the algorithms to help operators gain better comprehensive understanding patient profiles, medical habits and history, level of support from informal caregivers, known comorbidities and frailty status. Furthermore, panelists also stressed the importance of considering feasibility in implementing protocols within the real-world setting and prioritizing the right type of training for operators which can facilitate the delivery of high-quality triage. Overall, consensus was found for nine of the top 10 most frequently used protocols for triaging older adults with no consensus found for the protocol on triaging patients unwell for no apparent reason. CONCLUSION Our findings show that overall, a combination of patient related factors must be addressed to provide high quality triage for adults seeking non-urgent unplanned care over the telephone (in addition to age). However, further elements such as appropriate operator training and feasibility of implementing more population-specific protocols must also be considered. This study presents a useful step towards identifying key items which must be targeted within the larger scope of providing non-urgent out-of-hours telephone triage services for older adults seeking non-urgent unplanned care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Islam
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Heeren
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kelu Yang
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Milisen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marc Sabbe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Schullern C, Nöhammer E. [Health Hotline 1450: Potentials in Urban Areas of Lower Austria. A Retrospective Analysis.]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2023; 85:1043-1046. [PMID: 37257505 DOI: 10.1055/a-2055-9554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Societal changes (in expectations), efficiency efforts in the health systems and, in some cases, a high need for individual counselling due to low health literacy are difficult to align. Triage hotlines that refer callers to best points of care (POC) are possible solutions. The aim of this study was to analyze the potentials of the Austrian triage hotline 1450 in order to recognize patterns and suggest improvements. METHODS Data from 01.01.-31.12.2019 from two urban areas of Lower Austria with their top five system diagnoses and five most frequent best POC per city were retrospectively analysed and compared. RESULTS The five most common reasons for calling the hotline differed by city, resulting in six in the total sample (n=4376): vomiting (4,8%), back pain (3,0%), dizziness/vertigo (2,5%), abdominal pain (2,4%), chest pain (1,5%) and headache (1,4%). In absolute terms, the best POC was ambulance service with 38,7% (ambulance transport and emergency mission). In addition to the recommendation to visit an emergency department (18,5%), this resulted in a high proportion (57,2%) of patients being referred to ambulance service and hospitals. The best POC allocations in both cities (City A 89,8%/City B 92,0%) covered the available care points in urban areas to a large extent. CONCLUSION In terms of the type of illness complaints, a more comprehensive referral to the primary care seems possible (headache, back pain, abdominal pain). Since the five most frequent reasons for calling only add up to 15,6% (n=682) of all documented counselling calls of the total sample, further investigations are necessary, taking into consideration the degree of urgency and the time the calls were made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schullern
- Freiwillige Rettung Innsbruck Rettungsdienst & Katastrophenhilfe, Österreichisches Rotes Kreuz, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Nöhammer
- Department for Public Health, Health Services Research and HTA, UMIT-Private Universität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, medizinische Informatik und Technik, Hall in Tirol, Austria
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Duncan R, Stewart K, Scheuermeyer FX, Abu-Laban RB, Ho K, Lavallee D, Christenson J, Wood N, Bryan S, Hedden L. Concordance between 8-1-1 HealthLink BC Emergency iDoctor-in-assistance (HEiDi) virtual physician advice and subsequent health service utilization for callers to a nurse-managed provincial health information telephone service. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1031. [PMID: 37759257 PMCID: PMC10523598 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09821-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND British Columbia 8-1-1 callers who are advised by a nurse to seek urgent medical care can be referred to virtual physicians (VPs) for supplemental assessment and advice. Prior research indicates callers' subsequent health service use may diverge from VP advice. We sought to 1) estimate concordance between VP advice and subsequent health service use, and 2) identify factors associated with concordance to understand potential drivers of discordant cases. METHODS We linked relevant provincial administrative databases to obtain inpatient, outpatient, and emergency service use by callers. We developed operational definitions of concordance collaboratively with researcher, patient, VP, and management perspectives. We used Kaplan-Meier curves to describe health service use post-VP consultation and Cox regression to estimate the association of caller factors (rurality, demography, attachment to primary care) and call factors (reason, triage level, time of day) with concordance as hazard ratios. RESULTS We analyzed 17,188 calls from November 16, 2020 to April 30, 2021. Callers advised to attend an emergency department (ED) immediately were the most concordant (73%) while concordance was lowest for those advised to seek Family Physician (FP) care either immediately (41%) or within 7 days (47%). Callers unattached to FPs were less likely to schedule an FP visit (hazard ratio = 0.76 [95%CI: 0.68-0.85]). Rural callers were less likely to attend an ED within 48 h when advised to go immediately (0.53 [95%CI:0.46-0.61]) compared to urban callers. Rural callers advised to see an FP, either immediately (1.28 [95%CI:1.01-1.62]) or within 7 days (1.23 [95%CI: 1.11-1.37]), were more likely to do so than urban callers. INTERPRETATION Concordance between VP advice and subsequent caller health service use varies substantially by category of advice and caller rurality. Concordance with advice to "Go to ED" is high overall but to access primary care is below 50%, suggesting potential issues with timely access to FP care. Future research from a patient/caller centered perspective may reveal additional barriers and facilitators to concordance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Duncan
- Michael Smith Health Research British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
- BC Emergency Medicine Network, Vancouver, Canada.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Kurtis Stewart
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Frank X Scheuermeyer
- BC Emergency Medicine Network, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Riyad B Abu-Laban
- BC Emergency Medicine Network, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kendall Ho
- BC Emergency Medicine Network, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Danielle Lavallee
- Michael Smith Health Research British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jim Christenson
- BC Emergency Medicine Network, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nancy Wood
- BC Emergency Medicine Network, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stirling Bryan
- Michael Smith Health Research British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lindsay Hedden
- Michael Smith Health Research British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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Spek M, van Charldorp TC, Vinck VV, Venekamp RP, Rutten FH, Zwart DL, de Groot E. Displaying concerns within telephone triage conversations of callers with chest discomfort in out-of-hours primary care: A conversation analytic study. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 113:107770. [PMID: 37150153 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In primary care out of hours service (OHS-PC), triage nurses ask questions to assign urgency level for medical assessment. A semi-automatic decision tool (the Netherlands Triage Standard, NTS) facilitates triage nurses with key questions, but does not leave much room for paying attention to callers' concerns. We wanted to understand how callers with chest pain formulate their concerns and are helped further during telephone triage. METHODS We conducted a conversation analytic study of 68 triage calls from callers with chest discomfort who contacted OHS-PC of which we selected 35 transcripts in which concerns were raised. We analyzed expressions of concerns and the corresponding triage nurse response. RESULTS Due to the task-oriented nature of the NTS, callers' concerns were overlooked. For callers, however, discussing concerns was relevant, stressed by the finding that the majority of callers with chest discomfort expressed concerns. CONCLUSIONS Interactional difficulties in concern-related discussions arised directly after expressed concerns if not handled adequately, or during the switch to the counseling phase. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS When callers display concerns during telephone triage, we recommend triage nurses to explore them briefly and then return to the sequence of tasks described in the NTS-assisted triage process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Spek
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Tessa C van Charldorp
- Department of Languages, Literature and Communication, Faculty of Humanities, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vera V Vinck
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roderick P Venekamp
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Frans H Rutten
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dorien L Zwart
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther de Groot
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Ho K, Abu-Laban RB, Stewart K, Duncan R, Scheuermeyer FX, Hedden L, Lauscher HN, Sundhu S, Chadha R, Christenson J, Grafstein E, Lavallee DC, Purssell R, Tallon JM, Wood N, Bryan S. Health system use and outcomes of urgently triaged callers to a nurse-managed telephone service for provincial health information after initiation of supplemental virtual physician assessment: a descriptive study. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E459-E465. [PMID: 37220956 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20220196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND British Columbia's 8-1-1 telephone service connects callers with nurses for health care advice. As of Nov. 16, 2020, callers advised by a registered nurse to obtain in-person medical care can be subsequently referred to virtual physicians. We sought to determine health system use and outcomes of 8-1-1 callers urgently triaged by a nurse and subsequently assessed by a virtual physician. METHODS We identified callers referred to a virtual physician between Nov. 16, 2020, and Apr. 30, 2021. After assessment, virtual physicians assigned callers to 1 of 5 triage dispositions (i.e., go to emergency department [ED] now, see primary care provider within 24 hours, schedule an appointment with a health care provider, try home treatment, other). We linked relevant administrative databases to ascertain subsequent health care use and outcomes. RESULTS We identified 5937 encounters with virtual physicians involving 5886 8-1-1 callers. Virtual physicians advised 1546 callers (26.0%) to go to the ED immediately, of whom 971 (62.8%) had 1 or more ED visits within 24 hours. Virtual physicians advised 556 (9.4%) callers to seek primary care within 24 hours, of whom 132 (23.7%) had primary care billings within 24 hours. Virtual physicians advised 1773 (29.9%) callers to schedule an appointment with a health care provider, of whom 812 (45.8%) had primary care billings within 7 days. Virtual physicians advised 1834 (30.9%) callers to try a home treatment, of whom 892 (48.6%) had no health system encounters over the next 7 days. Eight (0.1%) callers died within 7 days of assessment with a virtual physician, 5 of whom were advised to go to the ED immediately. Fifty-four (2.9%) callers with a "try home treatment" disposition were admitted to hospital within 7 days of a virtual physician assessment, and no callers who were advised home treatment died. INTERPRETATION This Canadian study evaluated health service use and outcomes arising from the addition of virtual physicians to a provincial health information telephone service. Our findings suggest that supplementation of this service with an assessment from a virtual physician safely reduces the overall proportion of callers advised to seek urgent in-person visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall Ho
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Riyad B Abu-Laban
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Kurtis Stewart
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Ross Duncan
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Frank X Scheuermeyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Lindsay Hedden
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Helen Novak Lauscher
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Sandra Sundhu
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Rina Chadha
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Jim Christenson
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Eric Grafstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Danielle C Lavallee
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Roy Purssell
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - John M Tallon
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Nancy Wood
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Stirling Bryan
- Department of Emergency Medicine (Ho, Abu-Laban, Stewart, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Novak Lauscher, Chadha, Christenson, Grafstein, Purssell, Tallon), Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia; BC Emergency Medicine Network (Ho, Abu-Laban, Duncan, Scheuermeyer, Christenson, Grafstein, Wood); Michael Smith Health Research BC (Duncan, Hedden, Lavallee, Bryan), Vancouver, BC; Faculty of Health Sciences (Hedden), Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC; HealthLink BC (Sundhu); Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences (Christenson), Providence Research Institute; School of Population and Public Health (Lavallee, Bryan), The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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8
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Churruca K, Ellis LA, Pope C, MacLellan J, Zurynski Y, Braithwaite J. The place of digital triage in a complex healthcare system: An interview study with key stakeholders in Australia's national provider. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231181201. [PMID: 37377561 PMCID: PMC10291532 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231181201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digital triage tools such as telephone advice and online symptom checkers are now commonplace in health systems internationally. Research has focused on consumers' adherence to advice, health outcomes, satisfaction, and the degree to which these services manage demand for general practice or emergency departments. Such studies have had mixed findings, leaving equivocal the role of these services in healthcare. Objective We examined stakeholders' perspectives on Healthdirect, Australia's national digital triage provider, focusing on its role in the health system, and barriers to operation, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Key stakeholders took part in semi-structured interviews conducted online in the third quarter of 2021. Transcripts were coded and thematically analysed. Results Participants (n = 41) were Healthdirect staff (n = 13), employees of Primary Health Networks (PHNs; n = 12), clinicians (n = 9), shareholder representatives (n = 4), consumer representatives (n = 2) and other policymakers (n = 1). Eight themes emerged from the analysis: (1) information and guidance in navigating the system, (2) efficiency through appropriate care, (3) value for consumers? (4) the difficulties in triage at a distance, (5) competition and the unfulfilled promise of integration, (6) challenges in promoting Healthdirect, (7) monitoring and evaluating digital triage services and (8) rapid change, challenge and opportunity from COVID-19. Conclusion Stakeholders varied in their views of the purpose of Healthdirect's digital triage services. They identified challenges in lack of integration, competition, and the limited public profile of the services, issues largely reflective of the complexity of the policy and health system landscape. There was acknowledgement of the value of the services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and an expectation of them realising greater potential in the wake of the rapid uptake of telehealth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Churruca
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise A Ellis
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Pope
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer MacLellan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yvonne Zurynski
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Cancilliere MK, Ramanathan A, Hoffman P, Jencks J, Spirito A, Donise K. Characteristics of a Pediatric Emergency Psychiatric Telephone Triage Service. Pediatr Emerg Care 2022; 38:494-501. [PMID: 35981327 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caregivers of youth in psychiatric crisis often seek treatment from hospital emergency departments (EDs) as their first point of entry into the mental health system. Emergency departments have struggled over the last decade with growing numbers and now, because of the pandemic, have experienced a deluge of mental health crises. As one approach to divert unnecessary ED admissions, pediatric emergency psychiatric telephone triage services have been created. This study aimed to define the characteristics and utilization of a pediatric triage service and to examine clinician documentation of calls to identify the assessment of risk and disposition. METHODS This study included 517 youth (2-18 years; mean, 12.42 years; SD, 3.40 years) who received triage services in the winter of 2 consecutive years. Triage calls were received from caregivers (>75%), schools (17.0%), and providers (6.6%) regarding concerns, including suicidal ideation (28.6%), school issues (28.6%), and physical aggression (23.4%). RESULTS Dispositions were for acute, same-day evaluation (9.7%), direct care service (28.8%), further evaluation (within 48-72 hours, 40.0%), and resource/service update information (21.5%). Findings revealed that most clinical concerns were referred for further evaluation. Both adolescent females and males were referred for emergency evaluations at high rates. CONCLUSIONS A dearth of information on pediatric crisis telephone triage services exists; thus, developing an evidence base is an important area for future work. This information assists not only in our understanding of which, why, and how many youths are diverted from the ED but allows us to extrapolate significant costs that have been saved because of the utilization of the triage service.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Spirito
- From the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University
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10
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Fraser HSF, Cohan G, Koehler C, Anderson J, Lawrence A, Pateña J, Bacher I, Ranney ML. Evaluation of Diagnostic and Triage Accuracy and Usability of a Symptom Checker in an Emergency Department: Observational Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e38364. [PMID: 36121688 PMCID: PMC9531004 DOI: 10.2196/38364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Symptom checkers are clinical decision support apps for patients, used by tens of millions of people annually. They are designed to provide diagnostic and triage advice and assist users in seeking the appropriate level of care. Little evidence is available regarding their diagnostic and triage accuracy with direct use by patients for urgent conditions. Objective The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic and triage accuracy and usability of a symptom checker in use by patients presenting to an emergency department (ED). Methods We recruited a convenience sample of English-speaking patients presenting for care in an urban ED. Each consenting patient used a leading symptom checker from Ada Health before the ED evaluation. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by comparing the symptom checker’s diagnoses and those of 3 independent emergency physicians viewing the patient-entered symptom data, with the final diagnoses from the ED evaluation. The Ada diagnoses and triage were also critiqued by the independent physicians. The patients completed a usability survey based on the Technology Acceptance Model. Results A total of 40 (80%) of the 50 participants approached completed the symptom checker assessment and usability survey. Their mean age was 39.3 (SD 15.9; range 18-76) years, and they were 65% (26/40) female, 68% (27/40) White, 48% (19/40) Hispanic or Latino, and 13% (5/40) Black or African American. Some cases had missing data or a lack of a clear ED diagnosis; 75% (30/40) were included in the analysis of diagnosis, and 93% (37/40) for triage. The sensitivity for at least one of the final ED diagnoses by Ada (based on its top 5 diagnoses) was 70% (95% CI 54%-86%), close to the mean sensitivity for the 3 physicians (on their top 3 diagnoses) of 68.9%. The physicians rated the Ada triage decisions as 62% (23/37) fully agree and 24% (9/37) safe but too cautious. It was rated as unsafe and too risky in 22% (8/37) of cases by at least one physician, in 14% (5/37) of cases by at least two physicians, and in 5% (2/37) of cases by all 3 physicians. Usability was rated highly; participants agreed or strongly agreed with the 7 Technology Acceptance Model usability questions with a mean score of 84.6%, although “satisfaction” and “enjoyment” were rated low. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that a symptom checker can provide acceptable usability and diagnostic accuracy for patients with various urgent conditions. A total of 14% (5/37) of symptom checker triage recommendations were deemed unsafe and too risky by at least two physicians based on the symptoms recorded, similar to the results of studies on telephone and nurse triage. Larger studies are needed of diagnosis and triage performance with direct patient use in different clinical environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish S F Fraser
- Brown Center for Biomedical Informatics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Gregory Cohan
- Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Christopher Koehler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jared Anderson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Alexis Lawrence
- Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians, Department of Emergency Medicine, St Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, MA, United States
| | - John Pateña
- Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Ian Bacher
- Brown Center for Biomedical Informatics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Megan L Ranney
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, Providence, RI, United States
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11
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Mills BW, Hill MG, Miles AK, Smith EC, Afrifa-Yamoah E, Reid DN, Rogers SL, Sim MGB. Ability of the Australian general public to identify common emergency medical situations: Results of an online survey of a nationally representative sample. Australas Emerg Care 2022; 25:327-333. [PMID: 35525724 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the Australian general public's ability to identify common medical emergencies as requiring an emergency response. METHODS An online survey asked participants to identify likely medical treatment pathways they would take for 17 hypothetical medical scenarios (eight emergency and nine non-emergency). The number and type of emergency scenarios participants correctly suggested warranted an emergency medical response was examined. Participants included Australian residents (aged >18 years; n = 5264) who had never worked as an Australian registered medical doctor, nurse or paramedic. RESULTS Most emergencies were predominately correctly classified as requiring emergency responses (e.g. Severe chest pain, 95% correct). However, non-emergency medical responses were often chosen for some emergency scenarios, such as a child suffering from a scalp haematoma (67%), potential meningococcal disease (57%), a box jellyfish sting (40%), a paracetamol overdose (37%), and mild chest pain (26%). Participants identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander suggested a non-emergency response to emergency scenarios 40% more often compared with non-indigenous participants. CONCLUSIONS Educational interventions targeting specific medical symptoms may work to alleviate delayed emergency medical intervention. This research highlights a particular need for improving symptom identification and healthcare system confidence amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennen W Mills
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia.
| | - Michella G Hill
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia
| | - Alecka K Miles
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia
| | - Erin C Smith
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia
| | | | - David N Reid
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia
| | - Shane L Rogers
- School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, Australia
| | - Moira G B Sim
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Australia
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12
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Midtbø V, Fotland SLS, Johansen IH, Hunskaar S. From direct attendance to telephone triage in an emergency primary healthcare service: an observational study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054046. [PMID: 35501086 PMCID: PMC9062791 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe how an intervention to limit direct attendance in an emergency primary healthcare service affected the contacts to the clinic and the level of care given, and which factors were associated with a change from direct attendance to telephone contact. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Seven Norwegian emergency primary healthcare services. The telephone triage operators are primarily registered nurses. PARTICIPANTS Registered patient contacts to the services during 2007-2019. INTERVENTIONS In 2013, one of the seven services made an intervention to limit direct attendances to the emergency primary healthcare clinic. Through an advertisement in a local newspaper, the public was encouraged to call in advance. Patients who still attended directly, were encouraged to call in advance next time. MEASURES We compared the proportions of direct attendance and telephone contact, and of consultation by a general practitioner and telephone consultation by an operator, before and after the intervention. We also compared the proportions of direct attendance regarding gender, age group, time of day and urgency level. Descriptive analyses and log binomial regression analyses were applied. RESULTS There were 1 105 019 contacts to the seven services during the study period. The average proportion of direct attendance decreased from 68.7% (95% CI 68.4% to 68.9%) to 23.4% (95% CI 23.2% to 23.6%) in the service that carried out the intervention. Telephone consultation by an operator increased from 11.7% (95% CI 11.5% to 11.8%) to 29.2% (95% CI 28.9% to 29.5%) and medical consultation by a general practitioner decreased from 78.3% (95% CI 78.1% to 78.5%) to 57.0% (95% CI 56.7% to 57.3%). The youngest and the oldest age group and women had the largest decrease in direct attendance, by -81%, -74% and -71%, respectively. CONCLUSION The intervention influenced how the public contacted the service. Information campaigns on how to contact healthcare services should be implemented on a regular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Midtbø
- NORCE Health, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
| | - Siri-Linn Schmidt Fotland
- NORCE Health, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
| | | | - Steinar Hunskaar
- NORCE Health, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
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13
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Nakubulwa MA, Greenfield G, Pizzo E, Magusin A, Maconochie I, Blair M, Bell D, Majeed A, Sathyamoorthy G, Woodcock T. To what extent do callers follow the advice given by a non-emergency medical helpline (NHS 111): A retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267052. [PMID: 35446886 PMCID: PMC9022858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
National Health Service (NHS) 111 helpline was set up to improve access to urgent care in England, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of first-contact health services. Following trusted, authoritative advice is crucial for improved clinical outcomes. We examine patient and call-related characteristics associated with compliance with advice given in NHS 111 calls. The importance of health interactions that are not face-to-face has recently been highlighted by COVID-19 pandemic. In this retrospective cohort study, NHS 111 call records were linked to urgent and emergency care services data. We analysed data of 3,864,362 calls made between October 2013 and September 2017 relating to 1,964,726 callers across London. A multiple logistic regression was used to investigate associations between compliance with advice given and patient and call characteristics. Caller’s action is ‘compliant with advice given if first subsequent service interaction following contact with NHS 111 is consistent with advice given. We found that most calls were made by women (58%), adults aged 30–59 years (33%) and people in the white ethnic category (36%). The most common advice was for caller to contact their General Practitioner (GP) or other local services (18.2%) with varying times scales. Overall, callers followed advice given in 49% of calls. Compliance with triage advice was more likely in calls for children aged <16 years, women, those from Asian/Asian British ethnicity, and calls made out of hours. The highest compliance was among callers advised to self-care without the need to contact any other healthcare service. This is one of the largest studies to describe pathway adherence following telephone advice and associated clinical and demographic features. These results could inform attempts to improve caller compliance with advice given by NHS 111, and as the NHS moves to more hybrid way of working, the lessons from this study are key to the development of remote healthcare services going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mable Angela Nakubulwa
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geva Greenfield
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Pizzo
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Magusin
- NHS North and East London Commissioning Support Unit, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Maconochie
- Department of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Division of Medicine, St. Mary’s Hospital–Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mitch Blair
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Derek Bell
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ganesh Sathyamoorthy
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Woodcock
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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14
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Spek M, Venekamp R, De Groot E, Geersing GJ, Erkelens DC, van Smeden M, Rutten FH, Zwart DL. Optimising telephone triage of patients calling for acute shortness of breath during out-of-hours primary care: protocol of a multiple methods study (Opticall). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059549. [PMID: 35450911 PMCID: PMC9024277 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Callers with acute shortness of breath (SOB) are a challenge for telephone triage at out-of-hours primary care (OHS-PC) as SOB could be the sign of a potentially life-threatening disease, yet mostly is a symptom of a broad range of self-limiting disorders. Current telephone triage practice is mainly expert based and clear evidence on accuracy, safety and efficiency of the use of the Netherlands Triage Standard (NTS) by triage nurses based on the eventual clinical outcome is lacking for this domain. METHODS AND DATA ANALYSIS Multiple methods study in five OHS-PC services in the Utrecht region, the Netherlands. Data will be collected from OHS-PC electronic health records (EHR) and backed up tapes of telephone triage conversations, which will be linked to routine primary care EHR data. In cross-sectional studies, we will (1) validate the NTS urgency classification for adults with SOB against final diagnoses and (2) develop diagnostic prediction models for urgent diagnoses (eg, composite endpoint of urgent diagnoses, pulmonary embolism, acute coronary syndrome, acute heart failure and pneumonia). We will develop improvement measures for the use of the NTS by triage nurses through practice observations and semistructured interviews with patients, triage nurses and general practitioners (GPs). In an action research approach, we will, in collaboration with these stakeholders, implement and evaluate our findings in both GP and triage nurse educational programmes as well as in OHS-PC services. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Medical Ethics Review Committee Utrecht, the Netherlands, approved the study protocol (protocol 21/361). We will take into account the 'code of conduct for responsible research' of the WHO, the EU General Data Protection Regulation and the 'Dutch Medical Treatment Contracts Act'. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and at (inter)national meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL9682.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Spek
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roderick Venekamp
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther De Groot
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Geert-Jan Geersing
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne Carmen Erkelens
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van Smeden
- Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans H Rutten
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dorien L Zwart
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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15
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Sexton V, Dale J, Bryce C, Barry J, Sellers E, Atherton H. Service use, clinical outcomes and user experience associated with urgent care services that use telephone-based digital triage: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051569. [PMID: 34980613 PMCID: PMC8724705 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate service use, clinical outcomes and user experience related to telephone-based digital triage in urgent care. DESIGN Systematic review and narrative synthesis. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus were searched for literature published between 1 March 2000 and 1 April 2020. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Studies of any design investigating patterns of triage advice, wider service use, clinical outcomes and user experience relating to telephone based digital triage in urgent care. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers extracted data and conducted quality assessments using the mixed methods appraisal tool. Narrative synthesis was used to analyse findings. RESULTS Thirty-one studies were included, with the majority being UK based; most investigated nurse-led digital triage (n=26). Eight evaluated the impact on wider healthcare service use following digital triage implementation, typically reporting reduction or no change in service use. Six investigated patient level service use, showing mixed findings relating to patients' adherence with triage advice. Evaluation of clinical outcomes was limited. Four studies reported on hospitalisation rates of digitally triaged patients and highlighted potential triage errors where patients appeared to have not been given sufficiently high urgency advice. Overall, service users reported high levels of satisfaction, in studies of both clinician and non-clinician led digital triage, but with some dissatisfaction over the relevance and number of triage questions. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed into patient level service use, including patients' adherence with triage advice and how this influences subsequent use of services. Further evaluation of clinical outcomes using larger datasets and comparison of different digital triage systems is needed to explore consistency and safety. The safety and effectiveness of non-clinician led digital triage also needs evaluation. Such evidence should contribute to improvement of digital triage tools and service delivery. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020178500.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanashree Sexton
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Carol Bryce
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - James Barry
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Elizabeth Sellers
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Helen Atherton
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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16
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Chan F, Lai S, Pieterman M, Richardson L, Singh A, Peters J, Toy A, Piccininni C, Rouault T, Wong K, Quong JK, Wakabayashi AT, Pawelec-Brzychczy A. Performance of a new symptom checker in patient triage: Canadian cohort study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260696. [PMID: 34852016 PMCID: PMC8635379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computerized algorithms known as symptom checkers aim to help patients decide what to do should they have a new medical concern. However, despite widespread implementation, most studies on symptom checkers have involved simulated patients. Only limited evidence currently exists about symptom checker safety or accuracy when used by real patients. We developed a new prototype symptom checker and assessed its safety and accuracy in a prospective cohort of patients presenting to primary care and emergency departments with new medical concerns. METHOD A prospective cohort study was done to assess the prototype's performance. The cohort consisted of adult patients (≥16 years old) who presented to hospital emergency departments and family physician clinics. Primary outcomes were safety and accuracy of triage recommendations to seek hospital care, seek primary care, or manage symptoms at home. RESULTS Data from 281 hospital patients and 300 clinic patients were collected and analyzed. Sensitivity to emergencies was 100% (10/10 encounters). Sensitivity to urgencies was 90% (73/81) and 97% (34/35) for hospital and primary care patients, respectively. The prototype was significantly more accurate than patients at triage (73% versus 58%, p<0.01). Compliance with triage recommendations in this cohort using this iteration of the symptom checker would have reduced hospital visits by 55% but cause potential harm in 2-3% from delay in care. INTERPRETATION The prototype symptom checker was superior to patients in deciding the most appropriate treatment setting for medical issues. This symptom checker could reduce a significant number of unnecessary hospital visits, with accuracy and safety outcomes comparable to existing data on telephone triage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forson Chan
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Lai
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marcus Pieterman
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Richardson
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Singh
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jocelynn Peters
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Toy
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline Piccininni
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
| | - Taiysa Rouault
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kristie Wong
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Adrienne T. Wakabayashi
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Pawelec-Brzychczy
- Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, WCPHFM, London, ON, Canada
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17
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Turner J, Knowles E, Simpson R, Sampson F, Dixon S, Long J, Bell-Gorrod H, Jacques R, Coster J, Yang H, Nicholl J, Bath P, Fall D. Impact of NHS 111 Online on the NHS 111 telephone service and urgent care system: a mixed-methods study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr09210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The NHS emergency and urgent care system is under pressure as demand for services increases each year. NHS 111 is a telephone triage service designed to provide advice and signposting to appropriate services for people with urgent health-care problems. A new service, NHS 111 Online, has been introduced across England as a digital alternative that can be accessed using a website or a smartphone application. The effects and usefulness of this service are unknown.
Objectives
To explore the impact of NHS 111 Online on the related telephone service and urgent care system activity and the experiences of people who use those services.
Design and methods
A mixed-methods design of five related work packages comprising an evidence review; a quantitative before-and-after time series analysis of changes in call activity (18/38 sites); a descriptive comparison of telephone and online services with qualitative survey (telephone, n = 795; online, n = 3728) and interview (32 participants) studies of service users; a qualitative interview study (16 participants) of staff; and a cost–consequences analysis.
Results
The online service had little impact on the number of triaged calls to the NHS 111 telephone service. For every 1000 online contacts, triaged telephone calls increased by 1.3% (1.013, 95% confidence interval 0.996 to 1.029; p = 0.127). Recommendations to attend emergency and urgent care services increased between 6.7% and 4.2%. NHS 111 Online users were less satisfied than users of the telephone service (50% vs. 71%; p < 0.001), and less likely to recommend to others (57% vs. 69%; p < 0.001) and to report full compliance with the advice given (67.5% vs. 88%; p < 0.001). Online users were less likely to report contacting emergency services and more likely to report not making any contact with a health service (31% vs. 16%; p < 0.001) within 7 days of contact. Thirty-five per cent of online users reported that they did not want to use the telephone service, whereas others preferred its convenience and speed. NHS 111 telephone staff reported no discernible increase or decrease in their workload during the first year of operation of NHS 111 Online. If online and telephone services operate in parallel, then the annual costs will be higher unless ≥ 38% of telephone contacts move to online contacts.
Conclusions
There is some evidence that the new service has the potential to create new demand. The service has expanded significantly, so it is important to find ways of promoting the right balance in numbers of people who use the online service instead of the telephone service if it is to be effective. There is a clear need and preference by some people for an online service. Better information about when to use this service and improvements to questioning may encourage more uptake.
Limitations
The lack of control arm means that impact could have been an effect of other factors. This work took place during the early implementation phase, so findings may change as the service expands.
Future work
Further development of the online triage process to make it more ‘user friendly’ and to enable users to trust the advice given online could improve use and increase satisfaction. Better understanding of the characteristics of the telephone and online populations could help identify who is most likely to benefit and could improve information about when to use the service.
Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN51801112.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 9, No. 21. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette Turner
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emma Knowles
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Rebecca Simpson
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Fiona Sampson
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Simon Dixon
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jaqui Long
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Helen Bell-Gorrod
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard Jacques
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Joanne Coster
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jon Nicholl
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Peter Bath
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- School of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Daniel Fall
- Sheffield Emergency Care Forum, Sheffield, UK
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18
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Islam F, Sabbe M, Heeren P, Milisen K. Consistency of decision support software-integrated telephone triage and associated factors: a systematic review. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2021; 21:107. [PMID: 33743697 PMCID: PMC7981379 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-021-01472-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the recent decades, the use of computerized decision support software (CDSS)-integrated telephone triage (TT) has become an important tool for managing rising healthcare demands and overcrowding in the emergency department. Though these services have generally been shown to be effective, large gaps in the literature exist with regards to the overall quality of these systems. In the current systematic review, we aim to document the consistency of decisions that are generated in CDSS-integrated TT. Furthermore, we also seek to map those factors in the literature that have been identified to have an impact on the consistency of generated triage decisions. Methods As part of the TRANS-SENIOR international training and research network, a systematic review of the literature was conducted in November 2019. PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and the CINAHL database were searched. Quantitative articles including a CDSS component and addressing consistency of triage decisions and/or factors associated with triage decisions were eligible for inclusion in the current review. Studies exploring the use of other types of digital support systems for triage (i.e. web chat, video conferencing) were excluded. Quality appraisal of included studies were performed independently by two authors using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. Results From a total of 1551 records that were identified, 39 full-texts were assessed for eligibility and seven studies were included in the review. All of the studies (n = 7) identified as part of our search were observational and were based on nurse-led telephone triage. Scientific efforts investigating our first aim was very limited. In total, two articles were found to investigate the consistency of decisions that are generated in CDSS-integrated TT. Research efforts were targeted largely towards the second aim of our study—all of the included articles reported factors related to the operator- (n = 6), patient- (n = 1), and/or CDSS-integrated (n = 2) characteristics to have an influence on the consistency of CDSS-integrated TT decisions. Conclusion To date, some efforts have been made to better understand how the use of CDSS-integrated TT systems may vary across settings. In general, however, the evidence-base surrounding this field of literature is largely inconclusive. Further evaluations must be prompted to better understand this area of research. Protocol registration The protocol for this study is registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42020146323). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-021-01472-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Islam
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Sabbe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Heeren
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Research Foundation Flanders, Egmontstraat 5, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Koen Milisen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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19
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Prioritisation of outpatient appointments and elective surgery in gynaecology. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 73:2-11. [PMID: 33883091 PMCID: PMC7970415 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a global public health concern. It has posed a multitude of challenges from managing the supply chain of personal protective equipment (PPE), reducing the spread of the virus through national restrictions, disrupting the routine delivery of healthcare services to now the race in developing novel treatments and vaccines. As the National Health Service (NHS) considers a phased restoration of non-emergency services, it is imperative to consider the high volume of patients awaiting specialist reviews and surgical procedures. Gynaecology services have to be prioritised according to the patients’ clinical needs rather than their individual waiting times. In this chapter, we look at the varying aspects of prioritising non-emergency gynaecology care, including outpatient appointments and elective surgery, how innovative pathways have evolved in response to necessity, what some of the barriers have been to implement these and how this has overall impacted on individual gynaecological specialties.
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20
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Zwank MD, Finn ZS, Barnes ML, Adams NR. Severity of diagnosis among patients with chest pain presenting to the emergency department after calling a nurse line. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 44:121-123. [PMID: 33588252 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A Nurse Line (NL) is a resource that is commonly used by patients and hospitals to assist in the triage of patient medical complaints. We sought to determine whether patients with chief complaint of chest pain who presented to the ED after calling a NL were different from patients who presented directly to the ED. The primary aim was to test for differences in the severity of the causes of chest pain between the two groups. METHODS This was a retrospective case-control chart review study. Data collected included demographic data, comorbidities, ED orders, ED interventions, patient primary diagnosis and disposition. RESULTS 350 patients were included in the analysis: 175 patients called the NL and 175 age/sex matched patients did not call the NL. The mean age was 58.3 (SD 16.4; range 19.1-93.3) and 53.7% of patients were female. Race was similar between the groups. Patients were more likely to go directly to the ED without calling a NL if they had comorbidities. Among the total cohort, 36 patients were deemed to have a serious diagnosis related to the pain; this did not differ between groups (16 NL, 20 non-NL; OR = 1.11 95%CI 0.55-2.23). There were no differences of ED work-up or hospital admission (50 NL, 67 non-NL; OR = 0.85 95%CI 0.51-1.42) between the groups. CONCLUSION NL call was not associated with differences in severity of diagnosis, work-up, hospital admission or patient demographics. Patients who presented to the ED with chest pain without calling a NL had more comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zachary S Finn
- Regions Hospital, Saint Paul, MN, United States of America
| | | | - Nell R Adams
- Regions Hospital, Saint Paul, MN, United States of America
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21
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Erkelens DC, van Charldorp TC, Vinck VV, Wouters LT, Damoiseaux RA, Rutten FH, Zwart DL, de Groot E. Interactional implications of either/or-questions during telephone triage of callers with chest discomfort in out-of-hours primary care: A conversation analysis. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:308-314. [PMID: 32693956 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the interactional implications of either/or-questions on the interaction between people who call out-of-hours services in primary care (OHS-PC) and triage nurses who use a decision support tool called the 'Netherlands Triage Standard' (NTS) during telephone triage. METHODS A qualitative study of 68 triage conversations at six Dutch OHS-PC. Patients called the OHS-PC with symptoms, e.g. chest discomfort, suggestive of acute coronary syndrome. Using conversation analysis, we identified two categories of multiple-choice either/or-questions that indicated interactional difficulties, shown in hesitation markers within callers' responses. RESULTS Our analysis shows that interactional difficulties mainly arise when (i) questions are poorly designed by the triage nurse; or (ii) when the caller's complaints are ambiguously presented reflecting patient's difficulties to verbalize them (e.g. "not feeling well"). CONCLUSION The way NTS displays key diagnostic options encourages triage nurses to use multiple-choice either/or-questions. More awareness among triage nurses is needed on undesirable implications of either/or-questions on the interaction. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS We recommend changing the NTS display of diagnostic options and to use questions with fewer options in order to decrease the chance of formulating ambiguous questions soliciting unclear responses. Furthermore, asking content questions when complaints are ambiguously formulated may specify the presentation of complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne C Erkelens
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Tessa C van Charldorp
- Department of Languages, Literature and Communication, Faculty of Humanities, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vera V Vinck
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Loes T Wouters
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Roger A Damoiseaux
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Frans H Rutten
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dorien L Zwart
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther de Groot
- Department of General Practice, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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22
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Björkman A, Engström M, Winblad U, Holmström IK. Malpractice claimed calls within the Swedish Healthcare Direct: a descriptive - comparative case study. BMC Nurs 2021; 20:21. [PMID: 33446213 PMCID: PMC7807404 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-021-00540-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Medical errors are reported as a malpractice claim, and it is of uttermost importance to learn from the errors to enhance patient safety. The Swedish national telephone helpline SHD is staffed by registered nurses; its aim is to provide qualified healthcare advice for all residents of Sweden; it handles normally about 5 million calls annually. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic have increased call volume with approximate 30%. The aim of the present study was twofold: to describe all malpractice claims and healthcare providers’ reported measures regarding calls to Swedish Healthcare Direct (SHD) during the period January 2011–December 2018 and to compare these findings with results from a previous study covering the period January 2003–December 2010. Methods The study used a descriptive, retrospective and comparative design. A total sample of all reported malpractice claims regarding calls to SHD (n = 35) made during the period 2011–2018 was retrieved. Data were analysed and compared with all reported medical errors during the period 2003–2010 (n = 33). Results Telephone nurses’ failure to follow the computerized decision support system (CDSS) (n = 18) was identified as the main reason for error during the period 2011–2018, while failure to listen to the caller (n = 12) was the main reason during the period 2003–2010. Staff education (n = 21) and listening to one’s own calls (n = 16) were the most common measures taken within the organization during the period 2011–2018, compared to discussion in work groups (n = 13) during the period 2003–2010. Conclusion The proportion of malpractice claims in relation to all patient contacts to SHD is still very low; it seems that only the most severe patient injuries are reported. The fact that telephone nurses’ failure to follow the CDSS is the most common reason for error is notable, as SHD and healthcare organizations stress the importance of using the CDSS to enhance patient safety. The healthcare organizations seem to have adopted a more systematic approach to handling malpractice claims regarding calls, e.g., allowing telephone nurses to listen to their own calls instead of having discussions in work groups in response to events. This enables nurses to understand the latent factors contributing to error and provides a learning opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annica Björkman
- Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gavle, Gävle, Sweden. .,Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Maria Engström
- Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gavle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Winblad
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Inger K Holmström
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
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23
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Sexton V, Dale J, Atherton H. An evaluation of service user experience, clinical outcomes and service use associated with urgent care services that utilise telephone-based digital triage: a systematic review protocol. Syst Rev 2021; 10:25. [PMID: 33441189 PMCID: PMC7805218 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01576-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telephone-based digital triage is widely used by services that provide urgent care. This involves a call handler or clinician using a digital triage tool to generate algorithm-based care advice, based on a patient's symptoms. Advice typically takes the form of signposting within defined levels of urgency to specific services or self-care advice. Despite wide adoption, there is limited evaluation of its impact on service user experience, service use and clinical outcomes; no previous systematic reviews have focussed on services that utilise digital triage, and its impact on these outcome areas within urgent care. This review aims to address this need, particularly now that telephone-based digital triage is well established in healthcare delivery. METHODS Studies assessing the impact of telephone-based digital triage on service user experience, health care service use and clinical outcomes will be identified through searches conducted in Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science and Scopus. Search terms using words relating to digital triage and urgent care settings (excluding in-hours general practice) will be used. The review will include all original study types including qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies; studies published in the last 20 years and studies published in English. Quality assessment of studies will be conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT); a narrative synthesis approach will be used to analyse and summarise findings. DISCUSSION This is the first systematic review to evaluate service user experience, service use and clinical outcomes related to the use of telephone-based digital triage in urgent care settings. It will evaluate evidence from studies of wide-ranging designs. The narrative synthesis approach will enable the integration of findings to provide new insights on service delivery. Models of urgent care continue to evolve rapidly, with the emergence of self-triage tools and national help lines. Findings from this review will be presented in a practical format that can feed into the design of digital triage tools, future service design and healthcare policy. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION This systematic review is registered on the international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care (PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020178500 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanashree Sexton
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry, CV7 4AL, UK.
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry, CV7 4AL, UK
| | - Helen Atherton
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry, CV7 4AL, UK
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24
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Rysst Gustafsson S, Eriksson I. Quality indicators in telephone nursing - An integrative review. Nurs Open 2020; 8:1301-1313. [PMID: 33369230 PMCID: PMC8046143 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study was to identify factors that indicate quality in telephone nursing. Design An integrative literature review. Method A literature search was performed in October 2018, in the PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Academic Search, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science databases. A total of 30 included were included and data that corresponded to the study's aim were extracted and categorized along the three areas of quality as described by Donabedian (Milbank Quarterly, 83, 691), namely structure, process and outcome. Results The analysis revealed ten factors indicating quality in telephone nursing (TN): availability and simplicity of the service, sustainable working conditions, specialist education and TN experience, healthcare resources and organization, good communication, person‐centredness, competence, correct and safe care, efficiency and satisfaction. TN services need to target all ten factors to ensure that the care given is of high quality and able to meet today's requirements for the service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silje Rysst Gustafsson
- Division of nursing and medical technology, Department of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Irene Eriksson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
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25
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Jørgensen L, Jacobsen HR, Pedersen B. To see or not to see - or to wait and see: clinical decisions in an oncological emergency telephone consultation. Scand J Caring Sci 2020; 35:1259-1268. [PMID: 33349949 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer treatment is often given on an outpatient basis. An oncological emergency telephone line has been established to improve access to cancer care and prevent life-threatening side effects. However, healthcare professionals need to make clinical decisions without being able to assess patients face-to-face, which may be problematic. This study explores how healthcare professionals experience clinical decision-making in oncological emergency telephone consultations. METHODS An exploratory qualitative approach applying three focus groups with healthcare professionals from a Danish university hospital were undertaken. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS An overall theme elucidated how healthcare professionals ended up deciding during each call whether the problem could be solved on the phone or the patient had to come for a face-to-face consultation or to wait and see whether the condition changed. Some decisions were easy to make, while others were moderate or difficult. The decision was influenced by several factors that could be structured into three themes: reliance on one's own knowledge and experience, consideration of different perspectives and the influence of context. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that clinical decision-making in oncological emergency telephone consultations includes three types of decisions that are intertwined with intra-personal, inter-professional and contextual factors such as personal knowledge, collaboration and workload. These factors are essential for the timely referral of patients to the right level of service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lone Jørgensen
- Clinic for Surgery and Cancer Treatment, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Birgith Pedersen
- Clinic for Surgery and Cancer Treatment, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Clinical Nursing Research Unit, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Clinical Cancer Research Centre, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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26
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Lewinski AA, Rushton S, Van Voorhees E, Boggan JC, Whited JD, Shoup JP, Tabriz AA, Adam S, Fulton J, Gordon AM, Ear B, Williams JW, Goldstein KM, Van Noord MG, Gierisch JM. Implementing remote triage in large health systems: A qualitative evidence synthesis. Res Nurs Health 2020; 44:138-154. [PMID: 33319411 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Remote triage (RT) allows interprofessional teams (e.g., nurses and physicians) to assess patients and make clinical decisions remotely. RT use has developed widespread interest due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has future potential to address the needs of a rapidly aging population, improve access to care, facilitate interprofessional team care, and ensure appropriate use of resources. However, despite rapid and increasing interest in implementation of RT, there is little research concerning practices for successful implementation. We conducted a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis of practices that impact the implementation of RT for adults seeking clinical care advice. We searched MEDLINE®, EMBASE, and CINAHL from inception through July 2018. We included 32 studies in this review. Our review identified four themes impacting the implementation of RT: characteristics of staff who use RT, influence of RT on staff, considerations in selecting RT tools, and environmental and contextual factors impacting RT. The findings of our systemic review underscore the need for a careful consideration of (a) organizational and stakeholder buy-in before launch, (b) physical and psychological workplace environment, (c) staff training and ongoing support, and (d) optimal metrics to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of implementation. Our findings indicate that preimplementation planning, as well as evaluating RT by collecting data during and after implementation, is essential to ensuring successful implementation and continued adoption of RT in a health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison A Lewinski
- Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sharron Rushton
- School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Van Voorhees
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joel C Boggan
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - John D Whited
- Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Amir A Tabriz
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Soheir Adam
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica Fulton
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adelaide M Gordon
- Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Belinda Ear
- Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - John W Williams
- Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karen M Goldstein
- Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Megan G Van Noord
- Carlson Health Sciences Library, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Jennifer M Gierisch
- Durham Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Miller S, Gilbert S, Virani V, Wicks P. Patients' Utilization and Perception of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Symptom Assessment and Advice Technology in a British Primary Care Waiting Room: Exploratory Pilot Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2020; 7:e19713. [PMID: 32540836 PMCID: PMC7382011 DOI: 10.2196/19713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When someone needs to know whether and when to seek medical attention, there are a range of options to consider. Each will have consequences for the individual (primarily considering trust, convenience, usefulness, and opportunity costs) and for the wider health system (affecting clinical throughput, cost, and system efficiency). Digital symptom assessment technologies that leverage artificial intelligence may help patients navigate to the right type of care with the correct degree of urgency. However, a recent review highlighted a gap in the literature on the real-world usability of these technologies. OBJECTIVE We sought to explore the usability, acceptability, and utility of one such symptom assessment technology, Ada, in a primary care setting. METHODS Patients with a new complaint attending a primary care clinic in South London were invited to use a custom version of the Ada symptom assessment mobile app. This exploratory pilot study was conducted between November 2017 and January 2018 in a practice with 20,000 registered patients. Participants were asked to complete an Ada self-assessment about their presenting complaint on a study smartphone, with assistance provided if required. Perceptions on the app and its utility were collected through a self-completed study questionnaire following completion of the Ada self-assessment. RESULTS Over a 3-month period, 523 patients participated. Most were female (n=325, 62.1%), mean age 39.79 years (SD 17.7 years), with a larger proportion (413/506, 81.6%) of working-age individuals (aged 15-64) than the general population (66.0%). Participants rated Ada's ease of use highly, with most (511/522, 97.8%) reporting it was very or quite easy. Most would use Ada again (443/503, 88.1%) and agreed they would recommend it to a friend or relative (444/520, 85.3%). We identified a number of age-related trends among respondents, with a directional trend for more young respondents to report Ada had provided helpful advice (50/54, 93%, 18-24-year olds reported helpful) than older respondents (19/32, 59%, adults aged 70+ reported helpful). We found no sex differences on any of the usability questions fielded. While most respondents reported that using the symptom checker would not have made a difference in their care-seeking behavior (425/494, 86.0%), a sizable minority (63/494, 12.8%) reported they would have used lower-intensity care such as self-care, pharmacy, or delaying their appointment. The proportion was higher for patients aged 18-24 (11/50, 22%) than aged 70+ (0/28, 0%). CONCLUSIONS In this exploratory pilot study, the digital symptom checker was rated as highly usable and acceptable by patients in a primary care setting. Further research is needed to confirm whether the app might appropriately direct patients to timely care, and understand how this might save resources for the health system. More work is also needed to ensure the benefits accrue equally to older age groups.
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Effectiveness of Acute Care Remote Triage Systems: a Systematic Review. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:2136-2145. [PMID: 31898116 PMCID: PMC7352001 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05585-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technology-based systems can facilitate remote decision-making to triage patients to the appropriate level of care. Despite technologic advances, the effects of implementation of these systems on patient and utilization outcomes are unclear. We evaluated the effects of remote triage systems on healthcare utilization, case resolution, and patient safety outcomes. METHODS English-language searches of MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and CINAHL were performed from inception until July 2018. Randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies of remote triage services that reported healthcare utilization, case resolution, and patient safety outcomes were included. Two reviewers assessed study and intervention characteristics independently for study quality, strength of evidence, and risk of bias. RESULTS The literature search identified 5026 articles, of which eight met eligibility criteria. Five randomized, two controlled before-and-after, and one interrupted time series study assessed 3 categories of remote triage services: mode of delivery, triage professional type, and system organizational level. No study evaluated any other delivery mode other than telephone and in-person. Meta-analyses were unable to be performed because of study design and outcome heterogeneity; therefore, we narratively synthesized data. Overall, most studies did not demonstrate a decrease in primary care (PC) or emergency department (ED) utilization, with some studies showing a significant increase. Evidence suggested local, practice-based triage systems have greater case resolution and refer fewer patients to PC or ED services than regional/national systems. No study identified statistically significant differences in safety outcomes. CONCLUSION Our review found limited evidence that remote triage reduces the burden of PC or ED utilization. However, remote triage by telephone can produce a high rate of call resolution and appears to be safe. Further study of other remote triage modalities is needed to realize the promise of remote triage services in optimizing healthcare outcomes. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION This study was registered and followed a published protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42019112262).
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Stacey D, Ludwig C, Jolicoeur L, Carley M, Balchin K, Jibb L, Kelly F, Kuziemsky C, Madore S, Rambout L, Vickers MM, Martelli L. Quality of telephone-based cancer symptom management by nurses: a quality improvement project. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:841-849. [PMID: 32495032 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05551-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the quality of cancer symptom management when evidence from clinical practice guidelines are used in telephone-based oncology nursing services. METHODS Guided by the Knowledge to Action Framework, we conducted a quality improvement (QI) project focused on "monitoring knowledge use" (e.g., use of practice guides) and "measuring outcomes." In 2016, 15 Pan-Canadian Oncology Symptom Triage and Remote Support (COSTaRS) practice guides that synthesize evidence from guidelines were implemented with training for all oncology nurses at a regional ambulatory oncology program. Eighteen months post-implementation, Symptom Management Analysis Tool (SMAT) was used to analyze audio-recorded calls and related documentation of cancer symptom management. RESULTS Of 113 audio-recorded calls, 66 were COSTaRS symptoms (58%), 43 other symptoms (38%), and 4 medically complex situations (4%). Of 66 recorded calls, 63 (95%) were documented. Average SMAT quality score was 71% (range 21-100%) for audio-recordings and 63% (range 19-100%) for documentation of calls. COSTaRS practice guide use was documented in 33% calls. For these calls, average SMAT quality scores were 74% with COSTaRS versus 69% without COSTaRS for audio-recording and 73% (range 33-100%) with COSTaRS versus 58% without COSTaRS for documentation. Patient outcomes indicated symptom was resolved (38%), worse (25%), unchanged (3%), or unknown (33%). Eight patients (13%) had an ED visit within 14 days post that was related to the symptom discussed. CONCLUSIONS Only a third of nurses indicated use of COSTaRS practice guides. There were higher quality symptom management scores when COSTaRS use was reported. Nurses documented less than what they discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Stacey
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. .,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada.
| | - Claire Ludwig
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lynne Jolicoeur
- Regional Cancer Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meg Carley
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Katelyn Balchin
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Regional Cancer Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay Jibb
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Freya Kelly
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute (Cardiac Virtual Care), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Suzanne Madore
- Eye Care Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Acute and Chronic Pain, Substance Use Program and Medical Device Reprocessing, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Rambout
- Pharmacy, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Jimènez Torres M, Beitl K, Hummel Jimènez J, Mayer H, Zehetmayer S, Umek W, Veit-Rubin N. Benefit of a nurse-led telephone-based intervention prior to the first urogynecology outpatient visit: a randomized-controlled trial. Int Urogynecol J 2020; 32:1489-1495. [PMID: 32388632 PMCID: PMC8203547 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04318-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis Triage has become a valid tool to reduce workload during the first consultation in a specialized clinic. A nurse-led telephone intervention prior to the first urogynecologic visit reduces visit duration and increases patients’ and physicians’ satisfaction. Methods All patients scheduled for their very first visit were recruited. They were randomized into an intervention group (prior contact by a specialized urogynecology nurse) and a control group (no contact). The intervention included a questionnaire about history and symptoms. Patients were prompted to complete a bladder diary. Primary outcome was duration of the consultation; secondary outcomes were patients’ and physicians’ satisfaction with the intervention. Results Fifty-five patients were allocated to the intervention group and 53 to the control group with no difference regarding age, BMI, parity, menopausal status and primary diagnosis. Mean duration of the telephone call was 10.8 min (SD 4.4). The consultation was significantly shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference: 4 min and 8 s, p = 0.017). In the intervention group, 79% of the patients found the consultation quality “excellent,” 86% would return, and 77% would recommend our clinic to a relative or friend compared with 68%, 67% and 66%, respectively, in the control group. Physicians were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the patient preparation. Conclusions A nurse-led intervention reduces the duration of the first uroynecologic consultation and is associated with high patient and physician satisfaction. Further research should evaluate whether it also decreases the number of follow-up visits and further referrals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00192-020-04318-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimènez Torres
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Klara Beitl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Julia Hummel Jimènez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Hanna Mayer
- Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Vienna, Alser Straße 23, 1080, Wien, Austria
| | - Sonja Zehetmayer
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Umek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria. .,Karl Landsteiner Institute of Special Obstetrics and Gynecology, Silbergasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria.
| | - Nikolaus Veit-Rubin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria.,Karl Landsteiner Institute of Special Obstetrics and Gynecology, Silbergasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria
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Haimi M, Brammli-Greenberg S, Baron-Epel O, Waisman Y. Assessing patient safety in a pediatric telemedicine setting: a multi-methods study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:63. [PMID: 32245469 PMCID: PMC7126468 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-1074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine and telephone-triage may compromise patient safety, particularly if urgency is underestimated. We aimed to explore the level of safety of a pediatric telemedicine service, with particular reference to the appropriateness of the medical diagnoses made by the online physicians and the reasonableness of their decisions. METHODS This retrospective multi-method study investigated the decision-making process of physicians in a pediatric tele-triage service provided in Israel. The first section of the study investigates several measures relating to patient safety in the telemedicine setting. Two physicians reviewed a random sample of 339 parent-physician consultations conducted via a pediatric telemedicine service provided by a healthcare organization during 2014-2017. The consultations were analyzed for factors that may have affected the online physicians' decisions, with an emphasis on the appropriateness of the diagnoses and the reasonableness of the decisions. The online physicians' decisions were also compared to the subsequent outcomes (i.e., parental compliance with the recommendations and medical follow-ups within the healthcare system) after each consultation. The second section of the study (using a qualitative approach) consisted of interviews with 15 physicians who work in the pediatric telemedicine service, in order to explore their subjective experiences and efforts for assuring patient safety. The physicians were asked about factors that may have affected their reaching an appropriate diagnosis and a reasonable decision while maintaining patient safety. RESULTS The first section of the study demonstrates high levels of diagnosis appropriateness (98.5%) and decision reasonableness (92%), as well as low levels of false-positive (2.65%) and false-negative (5.3%), good sensitivity (82.85%), and high specificity (96.15%). A high association between the online decisions and the subsequent outcomes was also observed. The second section of the study presents physicians' means for ensuring high patient safety - by implementing a range of factors that helped them reach appropriate diagnoses and reasonable decisions. CONCLUSIONS The results show overall high patient safety in the pediatric tele-triage service that was examined. However, decision makers must strive to implement additional means for further enhancing the clinicians' ability to reach accurate diagnoses and provide optimal treatments within the tele-triage settings - with the aim of ensuring patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motti Haimi
- Clalit Health Services, Digital Health Wing, Central Division, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel. .,School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. .,Clalit Health Services , Sharon- Shomron District, Hadera, Israel.
| | - Shuli Brammli-Greenberg
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Orna Baron-Epel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yehezkel Waisman
- The Emergency Department, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Petach-Tikvah, Israel.,Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Spangler D, Edmark L, Winblad U, Colldén-Benneck J, Borg H, Blomberg H. Using trigger tools to identify triage errors by ambulance dispatch nurses in Sweden: an observational study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035004. [PMID: 32198303 PMCID: PMC7103813 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess whether trigger tools were useful identifying triage errors among patients referred to non-emergency care by emergency medical dispatch nurses, and to describe the characteristics of these patients. DESIGN An observational study of patients referred by dispatch nurses to non-emergency care. SETTING Dispatch centres in two Swedish regions. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1089 adult patients directed to non-emergency care by dispatch nurses between October 2016 and February 2017. 53% were female and the median age was 61 years. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was a visit to an emergency department within 7 days of contact with the dispatch centre. Secondary outcomes were (1) visits related to the primary contact with the dispatch centre, (2) provision of care above the primary level (ie, interventions not available at a typical local primary care centre) and (3) admission to hospital in-patient care. RESULTS Of 1089 included patients, 260 (24%) visited an emergency department within 7 days. Of these, 209 (80%) were related to the dispatch centre contact, 143 (55%) received interventions above the primary care level and 99 (38%) were admitted to in-patient care. Elderly (65+) patients (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.98) and patients referred onwards to other healthcare providers (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.19) had higher likelihoods of visiting an emergency department. Six avoidable patient harms were identified, none of which were captured by existing incident reporting systems, and all of which would have received an ambulance if the decision support system had been strictly adhered to. CONCLUSION The use of these patient outcomes in the framework of a Global Trigger Tool-based review can identify patient harms missed by incident reporting systems in the context of emergency medical dispatching. Increased compliance with the decision support system has the potential to improve patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Spangler
- Department of Surgical Sciences-Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Uppsala Center for Prehospital Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lennart Edmark
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Västmanlands sjukhus Västerås, Vasteras, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Winblad
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Colldén-Benneck
- Department of Surgical Sciences-Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Uppsala Center for Prehospital Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Borg
- Ambulance Department, Västmanlands sjukhus Västerås, Vasteras, Sweden
| | - Hans Blomberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences-Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Uppsala Center for Prehospital Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Siddiqui N, Greenfield D, Lawler A. Calling for confirmation, reassurance, and direction: Investigating patient compliance after accessing a telephone triage advice service. Int J Health Plann Manage 2019; 35:735-745. [PMID: 31803956 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the influence of a telephone triage advice service (TTAS) on patients seeking care is critical to realize enhancements in patient care, functioning of emergency departments (EDs), and effectiveness of the health system. This study addresses the question: what influence does a TTAS have on a patient's attendance at an ED and the wider health system? Records from 2016 to 2017 of 12,741 calls from a national TTAS were linked to 72,577 ED presentations to a hospital in regional Australia, retrospectively. Matching criteria included patient within the hospital's statistical local area code, age, gender, and ED attendance within 8 hours of TTAS call. Five statistical analyses of the data were conducted. There were 2857 matches. TTAS patients accessing the ED had a slightly higher proportion of women and a greater proportion of children under 4 years than usual. When TTAS confirmed callers' inclination for ED care, however only up to 69% subsequently attended the ED. When TTAS redirected others initially less inclined to more urgent care, up to 62% attended the ED. TTAS empowers vulnerable patients to access appropriate and timely services and promotes clinical and functional integration of care. Improvements of TTAS can come through investigation of callers' compliance factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazlee Siddiqui
- Australian Institute of Health Service Management, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - David Greenfield
- Australian Institute of Health Service Management, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Anthony Lawler
- Department of Health Tasmania, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Graf von Stillfried D, Czihal T, Meer A. Sachstandsbericht: Strukturierte medizinische Ersteinschätzung in Deutschland (SmED). Notf Rett Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10049-019-0627-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Ab 01.01.2020 müssen die Kassenärztlichen Vereinigungen eine telefonische Ersteinschätzung im 24/7-Betrieb anbieten. Ziel ist die Ersteinschätzung der Dringlichkeit akuter Beschwerden und eine Vermittlung an die angemessene Versorgungsstufe. Sehr schwer kranke Patienten müssen unmittelbar der Notfallversorgung, weniger oder nicht dringliche Anliegen alternativen Versorgungsangeboten zugeführt werden. Diese anspruchsvolle Aufgabe werden Fachpersonen übernehmen, die durch geeignete Software unterstützt werden. Im Ausland existieren hierfür Vorbilder. Das Zentralinstitut für die kassenärztliche Versorgung (Zi) überträgt gemeinsam mit der Health Care Quality System GmbH (HCQS) das in Teilen der Schweiz bereits angewendete Swiss Medical Assessment System (SMASS) für eine Anwendung in Deutschland. Das System soll unter dem Namen Strukturierte medizinische Ersteinschätzung in Deutschland (SmED) im Jahr 2019 in den Arztrufzentralen unter der Nummer 116117 eingeführt werden. Auch eine Anwendung für den sogenannten „gemeinsamen Tresen“ von Bereitschaftsdienstpraxen und Krankenhausnotaufnahmen wird entwickelt. Beide Anwendungen werden in dem vom Innovationsfonds geförderten DEMAND-Projekt evaluiert. Die Entwicklung von SmED erfolgt unter Einbeziehung von Vertretern des Marburger Bundes sowie der Deutschen Gesellschaft Interdisziplinäre Notfall- und Akutmedizin (DGINA) und Deutschen Interdisziplinären Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI). Eine technische Integration mit der 112 ist in Arbeit.
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Jácome M, Rego N, Veiga P. Potential of a nurse telephone triage line to direct elderly to appropriate health care settings. J Nurs Manag 2019; 27:1275-1284. [PMID: 31145491 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the potential of a nurse health triage telephone line to advise and guide elderly users' decisions regarding the appropriate health care setting and self-care. BACKGROUND Ageing is a concern in many countries and poses challenges to health care services. Triage and advice lines can play an important role for the (re)organisation of health care delivery. Discussion has been focused on the capacity of these lines to reduce inappropriate demand for acute and emergency departments. METHODS Cross-sectional descriptive analysis. RESULTS Nurses directed elders to a health care service both by downgrading their initial intentions (concurring to the most common objective) and by upgrading them (e.g., directing elders that intended to stay at home to acute and emergency care). The intention to comply with the nurse's disposition was high. CONCLUSIONS The line helped to improve the appropriateness of acute and emergency care demand and to reduce the overall demand for care by elders. There is nonetheless space for improvement given the underuse of the line by elders. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Health telephone-based triage and advice should be promoted to increase the match between the needs of elderly patients and health resources, thus improving health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Jácome
- Unidade de Saúde Familiar Bracara Augusta, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nazaré Rego
- Escola de Economia e Gestão, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal.,INESC TEC, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Veiga
- Escola de Economia e Gestão, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal.,GovJus, Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Erkelens DC, Wouters LT, Zwart DL, Damoiseaux RA, De Groot E, Hoes AW, Rutten FH. Optimisation of telephone triage of callers with symptoms suggestive of acute cardiovascular disease in out-of-hours primary care: observational design of the Safety First study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e027477. [PMID: 31266836 PMCID: PMC6609078 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the Netherlands, the 'Netherlands Triage Standard' (NTS) is frequently used as digital decision support system for telephone triage at out-of-hours services in primary care (OHS-PC). The aim of the NTS is to guarantee accessible, efficient and safe care. However, there are indications that current triage is inefficient, with overestimation of urgency, notably in suspected acute cardiovascular disease. In addition, in primary care settings the NTS has only been validated against surrogate markers, and diagnostic accuracy with clinical outcomes as the reference is unknown. In the Safety First study, we address this gap in knowledge by describing, understanding and improving the diagnostic process and urgency allocation in callers with symptoms suggestive of acute cardiovascular disease, in order to improve both efficiency and safety of telephone triage in this domain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS An observational study in which 3000 telephone triage recordings (period 2014-2016) will be analysed. Information is collected from the recordings including caller and symptom characteristics and urgency allocation. The callers' own general practitioners are contacted for the final diagnosis of each contact. We included recordings of callers with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/stroke. With univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses the diagnostic accuracy of caller and symptom characteristics will be analysed in terms of predictive values with urgency level, and ACS and TIA/stroke as outcomes, respectively. To further improve our understanding of the triage process at OHS-PC, we will carry out additional studies applying both quantitative and qualitative methods: (i) case-control study on serious adverse events (SAE), (ii) conversation analysis study and (iii) interview study with triage nurses. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Medical Ethics Committee Utrecht, the Netherlands endorsed this study (National Trial Register identification: NTR7331). Results will be disseminated at scientific conferences, regional educational sessions and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Ca Erkelens
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Loes Tcm Wouters
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dorien Lm Zwart
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roger Amj Damoiseaux
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther De Groot
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arno W Hoes
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frans H Rutten
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Tam HL, Chung SF, Lou CK. A review of triage accuracy and future direction. BMC Emerg Med 2018; 18:58. [PMID: 30572841 PMCID: PMC6302512 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-018-0215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the emergency department, it is important to identify and prioritize who requires an urgent intervention in a short time. Triage helps recognize the urgency among patients. An accurate triage decision helps patients receive the emergency service in the most appropriate time. Various triage systems have been developed and verified to assist healthcare providers to make accurate triage decisions. The triage accuracy can represent the quality of emergency service, but there is a lack of review studies addressing this topic. METHODS A literature search was conducted in four electronic databases where 'emergency nursing' and 'triage accuracy' were used as keywords. Studies published from 2008 January to 2018 August were included as potential subjects. Nine studies were included in this review after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. RESULTS Written case scenarios and retrospective review were commonly used to examine the triage accuracy. The triage accuracy from studies was in moderate level. The single-center studies which held better results than those from multi-center studies revealed the need of triage training and consistent training between emergency departments. CONCLUSIONS Regular refresher triage training, collaboration between emergency departments and continuous monitoring were necessary to strengthen the use of triage systems and improve nurse's triage performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hon Lon Tam
- Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Est. Repouso No. 35, R/C, Macau, S.A.R. China
| | - Siu Fung Chung
- Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, 5042 Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Chi Kin Lou
- City University of Macau, Avenida Padre Tomás Pereira Taipa, Macau, S.A.R. China
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Bailey CM, Newton JM, Hall HG. Telephone triage and midwifery: A scoping review. Women Birth 2018; 31:414-421. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Wahlberg AC, Bjorkman A. Expert in nursing care but sometimes disrespected-Telenurses' reflections on their work environment and nursing care. J Clin Nurs 2018; 27:4203-4211. [PMID: 29989235 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe telenurses' reflections on their work environment and how it impacts on their nursing care. BACKGROUND Telenursing is one of the largest healthcare settings in Sweden today; approximately 5.5 million care-seekers call the designated number-1177-each year. Telenursing is regarded as highly qualified nursing care, and providing care over the telephone is considered a complex form of nursing. Within other fields of nursing, the work environment has been shown to affect the outcome of care, patient safety, nurse job satisfaction and burnout. DESIGN The study used a descriptive design and followed the COREQ checklist. METHODS Twenty-four interviews were performed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The main theme concerned "feeling like a nursing care expert but sometimes being disrespected." The telenurses reported that their work environment supported their work as nursing care experts via the telephone in some respects, but also hindered them. Appreciation and respect they received from the vast majority of callers positively impacted the work environment and contributed to work satisfaction. However, they also felt disrespected by both their employers and healthcare staff; they sometimes felt like a dumping ground. Receiving support from colleagues seemed invaluable in helping them feel like and be a nursing care expert. CONCLUSION Work was perceived as cognitively demanding and sometimes exhausting, but appreciation from care-seekers and the feeling of being able to provide qualified nursing care made working as a telenurse worthwhile. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE If telenurses are to perform good nursing care over the telephone, managers must provide them with resources, for example, support, education and opportunities for recovery during shifts. It seems that the role of the 1177 service has not been properly implemented and accepted within the healthcare system, and politicians need to anchor its mission within the healthcare organisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carin Wahlberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annica Bjorkman
- Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gavle, Gavle, Sweden.,Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Shaw S, Wherton J, Vijayaraghavan S, Morris J, Bhattacharya S, Hanson P, Campbell-Richards D, Ramoutar S, Collard A, Hodkinson I, Greenhalgh T. Advantages and limitations of virtual online consultations in a NHS acute trust: the VOCAL mixed-methods study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr06210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThere is much enthusiasm from clinicians, industry and the government to utilise digital technologies and introduce alternatives to face-to-face consultations.Objective(s)To define good practice and inform digital technology implementation in relation to remote consultations via Skype™ (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA) and similar technologies.DesignMultilevel mixed-methods study of remote video consultations (micro level) embedded in an organisational case study (meso level), taking account of the national context and wider influences (macro level).SettingThree contrasting clinical settings (Diabetes, Antenatal Diabetes and Cancer Surgery) in a NHS acute trust.Data collection and analysisMacro level – interviews with 12 national-level stakeholders combined with document analysis. Meso level – longitudinal organisational ethnography comprising over 300 hours of observations, 24 staff interviews and analysis of 16 documents. Micro level – 30 video-recorded remote consultations; 17 matched audio-recorded face-to-face consultations. Interview and ethnographic data were analysed thematically and theorised using strong structuration theory. Consultations were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Roter interaction analysis system (RIAS), producing descriptive statistics on different kinds of talk and interaction.ResultsPolicy-makers viewed remote video consultations as a way of delivering health care efficiently in the context of rising rates of chronic illness and growing demand for services. However, the reality of establishing such services in a busy and financially stretched NHS acute trust proved to be far more complex and expensive than anticipated. Embedding new models of care took much time and many resources, and required multiple workarounds. Considerable ongoing effort was needed to adapt and align structures, processes and people within clinics and across the organisation. For practical and safety reasons, virtual consultations were not appropriate for every patient or every consultation. By the end of this study, between 2% and 20% of all consultations were being undertaken remotely in participating clinics. Technical challenges in setting up such consultations were typically minor, but potentially prohibitive. When clinical, technical and practical preconditions were met, virtual consultations appeared to be safe and were popular with both patients and staff. Compared with face-to-face consultations, virtual consultations were very slightly shorter, patients did slightly more talking and both parties sometimes needed to make explicit things that typically remained implicit in a traditional encounter. Virtual consultations appeared to work better when the clinician and the patient knew and trusted each other. Some clinicians used Skype adaptively to support ad hoc clinician-initiated and spontaneous patient-initiated encounters. Other clinicians chose not to use the new service model at all.ConclusionsVirtual consultations appear to be safe, effective and convenient for patients who are preselected by their clinicians as ‘suitable’, but such patients represent a small fraction of clinic workloads. There are complex challenges to embedding virtual consultation services within routine practice in the NHS. Roll-out (across the organisation) and scale-up (to other organisations) are likely to require considerable support.LimitationsThe focus on a single NHS organisation raises questions about the transferability of findings, especially quantitative data on likely uptake rates.Future researchFurther studies on the micro-analysis of virtual consultations and on the spread and scale-up of virtual consulting services are planned.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Shaw
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joseph Wherton
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Njeru JW, Damodaran S, North F, Jacobson DJ, Wilson PM, St Sauver JL, Radecki Breitkopf C, Wieland ML. Telephone triage utilization among patients with limited English proficiency. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:706. [PMID: 29121920 PMCID: PMC5679138 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2651-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication between patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and telephone triage services has not been previously explored. The purpose of this study was to determine the utilization characteristics of a primary care triage call center by patients with LEP. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of the utilization of a computer-aided, nurse-led telephone triage system by English proficiency status of patients empaneled to a large primary care practice network in the Midwest United States. Interpreter Services (IS) need was used as a proxy for LEP. RESULTS Call volumes between the 587 adult patients with LEP and an age-frequency matched cohort of English-Proficient (EP) patients were similar. Calls from patients with LEP were longer and more often made by a surrogate. Patients with LEP received recommendations for higher acuity care more frequently (49.4% versus 39.0%; P < 0.0004), and disagreed with recommendations more frequently (30.1% versus 20.9%; P = 0.0004). These associations remained after adjustment for comorbidities. Patients with LEP were also less likely to follow recommendations (60.9% versus 69.4%; P = 0.0029), even after adjusting for confounders (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49, 0.85; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Patients with LEP who utilized a computer-aided, nurse-led telephone triage system were more likely to receive recommendations for higher acuity care compared to EP patients. They were also less likely to agree with, or follow, recommendations given. Additional research is needed to better understand how telephone triage can better serve patients with LEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane W Njeru
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Swathi Damodaran
- Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Frederick North
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Debra J Jacobson
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Patrick M Wilson
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jennifer L St Sauver
- Robert D and Patricia E Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Mark L Wieland
- Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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Eastwood K, Smith K, Morgans A, Stoelwinder J. Appropriateness of cases presenting in the emergency department following ambulance service secondary telephone triage: a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e016845. [PMID: 29038180 PMCID: PMC5652623 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the appropriateness of cases presenting to the emergency department (ED) following ambulance-based secondary telephone triage. DESIGN A pragmatic retrospective cohort analysis of all the planned and unplanned ED presentations within 48 hours of a secondary telephone triage. SETTING The secondary telephone triage service, called the Referral Service, and the hospitals were located in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia and operated 24 hours a day, servicing 4.25 million people. The Referral Service provides an in-depth secondary triage of cases classified as low acuity when calling the Australian emergency telephone number. POPULATION Cases triaged by the Referral Service between September 2009 and June 2012 were linked to ED and hospital admission records (N=44,523). Planned ED presentations were cases referred to the ED following the secondary triage, unplanned ED presentations were cases that presented despite being referred to alternative care pathways. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Appropriateness was measured using an ED suitability definition and hospital admission rates. These were compared with mean population data which consisted of all of the ED presentations for the state (termed the 'average Victorian ED presentation'). RESULTS Planned ED presentations were more likely to be ED suitable than unplanned ED presentations (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.5 to 1.7; p<0.001) and the average Victorian ED presentation (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.01 to 3.4; p=0.046). They were also more likely to be admitted to the hospital than the unplanned ED presentation (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.4 to 1.6; p<0.001) and the average Victorian ED presentation (OR 2.3, 95% CI 2.24 to 2.33; p<0.001). Just under 15% of cases diverted away from the emergency care pathways presented in the ED (unplanned ED attendances), and 9.5% of all the alternative care pathway cases were classified as ED suitable and 6.5% were admitted to hospital. CONCLUSIONS Secondary telephone triage was able to appropriately identify many ED suitable cases, and while most cases referred to alternative care pathways did not present in the ED. Further research is required to establish that these were not inappropriately triaged away from the emergency care pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Eastwood
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ambulance Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Ambulance Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amee Morgans
- Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Johannes Stoelwinder
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Midtbø V, Raknes G, Hunskaar S. Telephone counselling by nurses in Norwegian primary care out-of-hours services: a cross-sectional study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2017; 18:84. [PMID: 28874124 PMCID: PMC5586064 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-017-0651-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The primary care out-of-hours (OOH) services in Norway are characterized by high contact rates by telephone. The telephone contacts are handled by local emergency medical communication centres (LEMCs), mainly staffed by registered nurses. When assessment by a medical doctor is not required, the nurse often handles the contact solely by nurse telephone counselling. Little is known about this group of contacts. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate characteristics of encounters with the OOH services that are handled solely by nurse telephone counselling. Methods Nurses recorded ICPC-2 reason for encounter (RFE) codes and patient characteristics of all patients who contacted six primary care OOH services in Norway during 2014. Descriptive statistics and frequency analyses were applied. Results Of all telephone contacts (n = 61,441), 23% were handled solely by nurse counselling. Fever was the RFE most frequently handled (7.3% of all nurse advice), followed by abdominal pain, cough, ear pain and general symptoms. Among the youngest patients, 32% of the total telephone contacts were resolved by nurse advice compared with 17% in the oldest age group. At night, 31% of the total telephone contacts were resolved solely by nurse advice compared with 21% during the day shift and 23% in the evening. The share of nurse advice was higher on weekdays compared to weekends (mean share 25% versus 20% respectively). Conclusion This study shows that nurses make a significant contribution to patient management in the Norwegian OOH services. The findings indicate which conditions nurses should be able to handle by telephone, which has implications for training and routines in the LEMCs. There is the potential for more nurse involvement in several of the RFEs with a currently low share of nurse counselling. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12875-017-0651-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Midtbø
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Uni Research Health, Box 7810, NO 5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Guttorm Raknes
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Uni Research Health, Box 7810, NO 5020, Bergen, Norway.,Regional Medicines Information & Pharmacovigilance Centre (RELIS), University Hospital of North Norway, Box 79, NO 9038, Tromsø, Norway.,Raknes Research, Myrdalskogen 243, NO 5117, Ulset, Norway
| | - Steinar Hunskaar
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Uni Research Health, Box 7810, NO 5020, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Box 7804, NO 5018, Bergen, Norway
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The quality, safety and governance of telephone triage and advice services - an overview of evidence from systematic reviews. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:614. [PMID: 28854916 PMCID: PMC5577663 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Telephone triage and advice services (TTAS) are increasingly being implemented around the world. These services allow people to speak to a nurse or general practitioner over the telephone and receive assessment and healthcare advice. There is an existing body of research on the topic of TTAS, however the diffuseness of the evidence base makes it difficult to identify key lessons that are consistent across the literature. Systematic reviews represent the highest level of evidence synthesis. We aimed to undertake an overview of such reviews to determine the scope, consistency and generalisability of findings in relation to the governance, safety and quality of TTAS. Methods We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library for English language systematic reviews focused on key governance, quality and safety findings related to telephone based triage and advice services, published since 1990. The search was undertaken by three researchers who reached consensus on all included systematic reviews. An appraisal of the methodological quality of the systematic reviews was independently undertaken by two researchers using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews. Results Ten systematic reviews from a potential 291 results were selected for inclusion. TTAS was examined either alone, or as part of a primary care service model or intervention designed to improve primary care. Evidence of TTAS performance was reported across nine key indicators – access, appropriateness, compliance, patient satisfaction, cost, safety, health service utilisation, physician workload and clinical outcomes. Patient satisfaction with TTAS was generally high and there is some consistency of evidence of the ability of TTAS to reduce clinical workload. Measures of the safety of TTAS tended to show that there is no major difference between TTAS and traditional care. Conclusions Taken as a whole, current evidence does not provide definitive answers to questions about the quality of care provided, access and equity of the service, its costs and outcomes. The available evidence also suggests that there are many interactional factors (e.g., relationship with other health service providers) which can impact on measures of performance, and also affect the external validity of the research findings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-017-2564-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Tran DT, Gibson A, Randall D, Havard A, Byrne M, Robinson M, Lawler A, Jorm LR. Compliance with telephone triage advice among adults aged 45 years and older: an Australian data linkage study. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:512. [PMID: 28764695 PMCID: PMC5539620 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2458-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Middle-aged and older patients are prominent users of telephone triage services for timely access to health information and appropriate referrals. Non-compliance with advice to seek appropriate care could potentially lead to poorer health outcomes among those patients. It is imperative to assess the extent to which middle-aged and older patients follow triage advice and how this varies according to their socio-demographic, lifestyle and health characteristics as well as features of the call. Methods Records of calls to the Australian healthdirect helpline (July 2008–December 2011) were linked to baseline questionnaire data from the 45 and Up Study (participants age ≥ 45 years), records of emergency department (ED) presentations, hospital admissions, and medical consultation claims. Outcomes of the call included compliance with the advice “Attend ED immediately”; “See a doctor (immediately, within 4 hours, or within 24 hours)”; “Self-care”; and self-referral to ED or hospital within 24 h when given a self-care or low-urgency care advice. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate associations between call outcomes and patient and call characteristics. Results This study included 8406 adults (age ≥ 45 years) who were subjects of 11,088 calls to the healthdirect helpline. Rates of compliance with the advices “Attend ED immediately”, “See a doctor” and “Self-care” were 68.6%, 64.6% and 77.5% respectively, while self-referral to ED within 24 h followed 7.0% of calls. Compliance with the advice “Attend ED immediately” was higher among patients who had three or more positive lifestyle behaviours, called after-hours, or stated that their original intention was to attend ED, while it was lower among those who lived in rural and remote areas or reported high or very high levels of psychological distress. Compliance with the advice “See a doctor” was higher in patients who were aged ≥65 years, worked full-time, or lived in socio-economically advantaged areas, when another person made the call on the patient’s behalf, and when the original intention was to seek care from an ED or a doctor. It was lower among patients in rural and remote areas and those taking five medications or more. Patients aged ≥65 years were less likely to comply with the advice “Self-care”. The rates of self-referral to ED within 24 h were greater in patients from disadvantaged areas, among calls made after-hours or by another person, and when the original intention was to attend ED. Patients who were given a self-care or low-urgency care advice, whose calls concerned bleeding, cardiac, gastrointestinal, head and facial injury symptoms, were more likely to self-refer to ED. Conclusions Compliance with telephone triage advice among middle-age and older patients varied substantially according to both patient- and call-related factors. Knowledge about the patients who are less likely to comply with telephone triage advice, and about characteristics of calls that may influence compliance, will assist in refining patient triage protocols and referral pathways, training staff and tailoring service design and delivery to achieve optimal patient compliance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2458-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duong Thuy Tran
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health-Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Amy Gibson
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health-Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Deborah Randall
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health-Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Alys Havard
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health-Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Mary Byrne
- Healthdirect Australia, 133 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Maureen Robinson
- Healthdirect Australia, 133 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Anthony Lawler
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania and Healthdirect Australia, Department of Health and Human Services, Level 2, 22 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Louisa R Jorm
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health-Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Downes MJ, Mervin MC, Byrnes JM, Scuffham PA. Telephone consultations for general practice: a systematic review. Syst Rev 2017; 6:128. [PMID: 28673333 PMCID: PMC5496327 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-017-0529-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of information technology, including internet- and telephone-based resources, is becoming an alternative and supporting method of providing many forms of services in a healthcare and health management setting. Telephone consultations provide a promising alternative and supporting service for face-to-face general practice care. The aim of this review is to utilize a systematic review to collate evidence on the use of telephone consultation as an alternative to face-to-face general practice visits. METHODS A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform was performed using the search terms for the intervention (telephone consultation) and the comparator (general practice). Systematic reviews and randomized control trials that examined telephone consultation compared to normal face-to-face consultation in general practice were included in this review. Papers were reviewed, assessed for quality (Cochrane Collaboration's 'Risk of bias' tool) and data extracted and analysed. RESULTS Two systematic reviews and one RCT were identified and included in the analysis. The RCT (N = 388) was of patients requesting same-day appointments from two general practices and patients were randomized to a same-day face-to-face appointment or a telephone call back consultation. There was a reduction in the time spent on consultations in the telephone group (1.5 min (0.6 to 2.4)) and patients in the telephone arm had 0.2 (0 to 0.3) more follow-up consultations than the face-to-face group. One systematic review focused on telephone consultation and triage on healthcare use, and included one RCT and one other observational study that examined telephone consultations. The other systematic review focused on patient access and included one RCT and four observational studies that examined telephone consultations. Both systematic reviews provided narrative interpretations of the evidence and concluded that telephone consultations provided an appropriate alternative to telephone consultations and reduced practice work load. CONCLUSION There is a lack of high level evidence for telephone consultations in a GP setting; however, current evidence suggests that telephone consultations as an alternative to face-to-face general practice consultations offers an appropriate option in certain settings. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42015025225.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Downes
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Nathan Campus - N78 1.11, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia. .,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan Campus - N78 1.11, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.
| | - Merehau C Mervin
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Nathan Campus - N78 1.11, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan Campus - N78 1.11, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Joshua M Byrnes
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Nathan Campus - N78 1.11, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan Campus - N78 1.11, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Paul A Scuffham
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Nathan Campus - N78 1.11, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan Campus - N78 1.11, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Queensland, 4111, Australia
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O'Brien LK, Drobnick P, Gehman M, Hollenbeak C, Iantosca MR, Luchs S, Manning M, Palm SK, Potochny J, Ritzman A, Tetro-Viozzi J, Trauger M, Armstrong AD. Improving Responsiveness to Patient Phone Calls: A Pilot Study. J Patient Exp 2017; 4:101-107. [PMID: 28959714 PMCID: PMC5593260 DOI: 10.1177/2374373517706611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal patient-physician communication in the outpatient clinical setting is critical for safe and effective patient care. Keeping track of multiple patient telephone messages can be difficult and hazardous if a structured system is not in place. A multidisciplinary group at Hershey Medical Center developed a standardized approach for addressing patient telephone calls at their outpatient surgical clinics. This program was designed to improve the patient experience by providing a realistic time frame for phone calls to be returned and requests fulfilled. Additionally, this system permitted phone calls to be tracked and documented appropriately and allowed for prioritization of urgent and emergent messages. Our intent for this program was to close potential gaps within the communication chain at our outpatient surgical clinics, improve overall communication between clinicians and their patients, and improve both patient and employee satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Drobnick
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mary Gehman
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | - Mark R Iantosca
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Sherri Luchs
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Maureen Manning
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Susan K Palm
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - John Potochny
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Angela Ritzman
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jennie Tetro-Viozzi
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mary Trauger
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - April D Armstrong
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Bone and Joint Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
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Rosa F, Bagnasco A, Aleo G, Kendall S, Sasso L. Resilience as a concept for understanding family caregiving of adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): an integrative review. Nurs Open 2017; 4:61-75. [PMID: 28286662 PMCID: PMC5340167 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS This paper was a report of the synthesis of evidence on examining the origins and definitions of the concept of resilience, investigating its application in chronic illness management and exploring its utility as a means of understanding family caregiving of adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. BACKGROUND Resilience is a concept that is becoming relevant to understanding how individuals and families live with illness, especially long-term conditions. Caregivers of adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease must be able to respond to exacerbations of the condition and may themselves experience cognitive imbalances. Yet, resilience as a way of understanding family caregiving of adults with COPD is little explored. DESIGN Literature review - integrative review. DATA SOURCES CINAHL, PubMed, Google Scholar and EBSCO were searched between 1989-2015. REVIEW METHODS The principles of rapid evidence assessment were followed. RESULTS We identified 376 relevant papers: 20 papers reported the presence of the concept of resilience in family caregivers of chronic diseases patients but only 12 papers reported the presence of the concept of resilience in caregivers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients and have been included in the synthesis. The term resilience in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease caregiving is most often understood using a deficit model of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rosa
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | | | - Giuseppe Aleo
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
| | - Sally Kendall
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care (CRIPACC)University of HertfordshireHatfieldUK
| | - Loredana Sasso
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of GenoaGenoaItaly
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Paton F, Wright K, Ayre N, Dare C, Johnson S, Lloyd-Evans B, Simpson A, Webber M, Meader N. Improving outcomes for people in mental health crisis: a rapid synthesis of the evidence for available models of care. Health Technol Assess 2016; 20:1-162. [PMID: 26771169 DOI: 10.3310/hta20030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crisis Concordat was established to improve outcomes for people experiencing a mental health crisis. The Crisis Concordat sets out four stages of the crisis care pathway: (1) access to support before crisis point; (2) urgent and emergency access to crisis care; (3) quality treatment and care in crisis; and (4) promoting recovery. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the models of care for improving outcomes at each stage of the care pathway. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases were searched for guidelines, reviews and, where necessary, primary studies. The searches were performed on 25 and 26 June 2014 for NHS Evidence, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, and the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and PROSPERO databases, and on 11 November 2014 for MEDLINE, PsycINFO and the Criminal Justice Abstracts databases. Relevant reports and reference lists of retrieved articles were scanned to identify additional studies. STUDY SELECTION When guidelines covered a topic comprehensively, further literature was not assessed; however, where there were gaps, systematic reviews and then primary studies were assessed in order of priority. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Systematic reviews were critically appraised using the Risk Of Bias In Systematic reviews assessment tool, trials were assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, studies without a control group were assessed using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) prognostic studies tool and qualitative studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme quality assessment tool. A narrative synthesis was conducted for each stage of the care pathway structured according to the type of care model assessed. The type and range of evidence identified precluded the use of meta-analysis. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS One review of reviews, six systematic reviews, nine guidelines and 15 primary studies were included. There was very limited evidence for access to support before crisis point. There was evidence of benefits for liaison psychiatry teams in improving service-related outcomes in emergency departments, but this was often limited by potential confounding in most studies. There was limited evidence regarding models to improve urgent and emergency access to crisis care to guide police officers in their Mental Health Act responsibilities. There was positive evidence on clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of crisis resolution teams but variability in implementation. Current work from the Crisis resolution team Optimisation and RElapse prevention study aims to improve fidelity in delivering these models. Crisis houses and acute day hospital care are also currently recommended by NICE. There was a large evidence base on promoting recovery with a range of interventions recommended by NICE likely to be important in helping people stay well. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Most evidence was rated as low or very low quality, but this partly reflects the difficulty of conducting research into complex interventions for people in a mental health crisis and does not imply that all research was poorly conducted. However, there are currently important gaps in research for a number of stages of the crisis care pathway. Particular gaps in research on access to support before crisis point and urgent and emergency access to crisis care were found. In addition, more high-quality research is needed on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of mental health crisis care, including effective components of inpatient care, post-discharge transitional care and Community Mental Health Teams/intensive case management teams. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42014013279. FUNDING The National Institute for Health Research HTA programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Paton
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Kath Wright
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Ceri Dare
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alan Simpson
- School of Health Sciences, City University London, London, UK
| | - Martin Webber
- Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of York, York, UK
| | - Nick Meader
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
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50
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McKenzie R, Dunt D, Yates A. Patient intention and self-reported compliance in relation to emergency department attendance after using an after hours GP helpline. Emerg Med Australas 2016; 28:538-43. [DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.12619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary McKenzie
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - David Dunt
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Allison Yates
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health; The University of Melbourne; Melbourne Victoria Australia
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