How does total triage work?

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, finding efficient ways to manage patient demand is more crucial than ever. Total Triage is emerging as a transformative solution for GP practices, enabling them to meet patient needs effectively while improving overall service quality. If you're considering implementing this system in your practice, let's delve into how Total Triage works and the benefits it can bring.

What is Total Triage?

Total Triage is a patient management system that allows practices to assess and prioritize patient needs before booking appointments. This innovative approach enables healthcare providers to address issues without requiring in-person visits, effectively optimizing the use of available resources and reducing waiting times.

The Need for Total Triage

With increasing patient demand, traditional appointment systems can lead to bottlenecks and frustration for both staff and patients. Total Triage addresses these challenges by:

• Enhancing Accessibility: Streamlining the process for patients to receive timely care.
• Improving Patient Satisfaction: Ensuring patients connect with the most appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Adapting to Change: Keeping practices aligned with modern healthcare delivery trends and technologies.

How Does Total Triage Work?

Understanding the mechanics of Total Triage will help you implement it effectively within your practice. Here’s a clear breakdown of how the system operates:

Step 1: Patient Initiation

Patients begin the process by contacting your practice. They have multiple options to reach out:

• Online Submission: Patients can fill out a brief online form detailing their concerns
• In-Person Assistance: For those who prefer face-to-face interaction, reception staff can assist them in completing the online form while they are at the practice.

Step 2: Centralised Triage Process

Once a request is submitted, it enters a central inbox integrated with your clinical system. Here’s how the triage process unfolds:

• Visibility of Demand: Staff can view all incoming requests in one place, making it easier to assess patient needs efficiently.
• Urgency Assessment: Each request is triaged based on clinical urgency, allowing your team to prioritize those who require immediate attention.

This step is critical in ensuring that patients with urgent needs receive prompt care while managing less urgent requests efficiently.

Step 3: Addressing Patient Needs

After the triage assessment, your team will determine the best course of action for each patient. Possible outcomes include:

• Direct Communication: Many requests can be resolved via SMS or Email, providing patients with timely guidance.
• Appointment Scheduling: If an appointment is necessary, your team can book it with the appropriate healthcare professional—whether that's a GP, practice nurse, or other specialists.
• Signposting to Other Services: If the patient's needs are best served by an external service, your team will ensure they are directed appropriately.

Benefits of Total Triage for Practices

Improved Efficiency

Total Triage helps practices manage patient demand more effectively. By assessing needs upfront, you can allocate resources more efficiently, reducing unnecessary in-person visits and optimizing appointment slots.

Enhanced Patient Experience

Patients will appreciate the quick responses and tailored care they receive through Total Triage. By connecting them to the right healthcare provider, you can significantly improve patient satisfaction and trust in your practice.

Streamlined Communication

With a centralized system, communication between patients and staff becomes more fluid. You can quickly inform patients about their status, appointment details, or next steps, leading to a more organized practice environment.

Future-Proofing Your Practice

Embracing Total Triage positions your practice to adapt to future changes in healthcare delivery. As technology continues to advance, having a robust triage system in place ensures you remain at the forefront of patient care.

How To Select A Triage System

Transitioning to Total Triage is a strategic move for NHS GP partners and practice administrators looking to enhance service delivery and patient care. By streamlining the way you manage patient requests, you can improve access to care, boost patient satisfaction, and create a more efficient practice environment.

There are many systems out there, but you should look no further than Hero Health's Care Navigation solution. Why?

• It is Systm1 and EMIS integrated
• It is simple for patients
• It is simple to implement for staff, but offers configurability around your practice's own preferences
• It incorporates booking as well as simple triage

If you’re ready to explore this innovative approach with Hero Health further, you can transform your practice into a more responsive and patient-centred healthcare provider.

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