A structured process employed primarily in healthcare settings, it involves assessing a patient’s condition remotely via telephone or other communication technologies. This method is used to evaluate the urgency of medical needs, provide immediate advice, and guide patients toward the most appropriate level of care. For instance, a nurse might ask a series of questions to determine if a caller experiencing chest pain should go to the emergency room immediately, schedule an appointment with their primary care physician, or manage their symptoms at home.
This practice is crucial for optimizing healthcare resource allocation, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care, and reducing unnecessary emergency room visits. It provides increased accessibility to medical guidance, especially for individuals in remote areas or those with limited mobility. Historically, it emerged as a means to manage increasing demands on healthcare systems and to streamline patient flow, leading to greater efficiency and improved patient satisfaction.
