In northern Ireland we haven't got NHS Direct but I would still be very
interested to see your protocol.
Cheers
julie
In message <001901c17184$48452f80$a667fea9@s6w9q6>, Bill Bailey
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>I've recently developed a protocol directing the A&E triage nurse to
>re-direct "category blue" patients to NHS Direct rather than giving them the
>option of waiting to be seen in A&E. Presently waiting to see if NHSD are
>willing to take on the extra work. If it gets off the ground we will then
>look at ways of identifying primary care patients in higher triage
>categories who may also benefit from a bit of redirection!
>
>Best wishes
>Bill Bailey
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Dunn Matthew Dr. (RJC) ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY - SwarkHosp-TR
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Monday, November 19, 2001 3:52 AM
>Subject: Re: GP's in A&E
>
>
>> The question is not whether GPs are better than A and E doctors at seeing
>> primary care conditions- clearly they are (and I think that the original
>> paper to which Dr Ray refers is Dale J. Lang H. Roberts JA. Green J.
>> Glucksman E. Cost effectiveness of treating primary care patients in
>> accident and emergency: a comparison between general practitioners, senior
>> house officers, and registrars. BMJ. 312(7042):1340-4, 1996 May 25- which
>> showed GPs to more cost effective than A and E registrars, not just SHOs.
>> Not sure about consultants.). It is whether A and E or general practice is
>> the best place to see these patients. If you've triaged a patient as
>having
>> a primary care problem, why not just send them to a GP? (Our departments
>> don't employ specialists in any other areas- we refer the patients).
>> Reinforcing the message that it is appropriate to call 999 because the GP
>> out of hours is busy is not a good idea. (Also, I'm a bit opposed to the
>> general idea that A and E deals with other specialties patients if it's
>out
>> of hours).
>> Agree with comments from others that the triage category is not a good
>guide
>> as to which patients have primary care problems.
>> Does anyone have any protocols for nurses directing patients to more
>> appropriate or cost effective services from triage?
>>
>> Matt Dunn
>>
--
julie hassell
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