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Introduction
Triage is the French word for sorting out. In medicine, it means that the client is examined and an “urgency” classification is assigned to that client…ie, the client is “sorted” according to how urgent their care and “routed” to the proper location according to that client’s needs and the organizations resources. The Triage Nurse, a nurse specially trained, usually performs this function
Triage is a separate function in the InHCc HMIS. All individuals, out-patient, in-patient, and emergency patients first presents themselves to Triage before being admitted to the Organization. Triage is also responsible for receiving any cases from Emergency Services (ambulances) and External Transfers. This ensures that the individual receives immediate care based on their needs and are routed to the best service for those needs. The Triage staff are specially trained to recognize conditions that require immediate service.
In many clinics, the client is assigned to the health care professional by the order in which the client entered into the organization. This is not the preferred method. The method that provides the best quality of care, is that the client that is the “sickest” or at higher “risk” should be the first one that is admitted to the HCP.
In other clinics, the client is first seen by the Triage nurse before being registered. The client is examined (vital signs) and questioned about the current motive for their visit. If the client is at high risk, the client may be taken to a HCP immediately and not have to wait in the waiting room.
Each health care organization must establish criteria for determining those clients who require care at each level and for each unit of the organization. The administration of any health care is expensive and should be allocated according to the needs of the individual.Triage can see the complete medical history of every patient that has entered into the organization.
Triage also makes less work for the physician and ensures that all data is collected on the patient.
The patient also has the perception that they are being received quicker and thus have a better "image" of the organization.