Triage
The triage process is an important primary management tool in risk management, especially in the current primary care environment of preparation for the influenza season, and the possibility of flu pandemic.
General practice staff members are continuously making decisions about the urgency of requests for GP consultations. This has historically been done with little formal training, standardized systems or documentation. Traditionally, there have been limited resources to assist in this process leading to possible clinical risks. General practice nurses and practice staff can potentially play an important role in triage within general practices using appropriate time frames and decision tools for care.
BDDGP can provide education and support to practice teams in establishing safe and effective systems for prioritising patients in general practice utilising the Dandenong Casey General Practice Association Triage Support Guide. Contact the division for more information.
Patient Prioritisation Tools
- Dandenong Casey Triage Support Guide updated in 2010 – includes cover, flip charts and wall chart
- GP Access General Practice Triage Guide includes resources for CPR, Incident Notification Form and Unwell patient with possible communicable disease.
- South East New South Wales Division of General Practice – Prioritisation of Patients; a guide to urgency for Non Clinical staff (POPGUNS) - booklet, flowchart, and usual advice
- The triage categorisation tool was created by Central Bayside GP Association in collaboration with SouthCity GP Services, based on the Brisbane Nth DGP original design. This document may be modified according to the needs of your General Practice. Input from the General Practice team required.
