Interestingly, one of the Advice Line pilot scheme has
been active in US for some time and in this country for 9 months.
They state 25 million calls in US with no litigation at all.
Impressive figures on reduction of usage of GPs in this country.
Would not suit all areas but many clients seem to prefer the
convenience for the simple things for which they usually come to see
us.
The centre is based at one site in South of England and can
service anywhere in country. Algorithms are used to identify the
potential major problems and advise appropriately.Nurses have to
adhere closely to the procedures and have regular training.
This mitigates against attempting to license the product yourself.
Patients with lesser problems are offered reassurance, self help
advice or triaged to appropriate appontment. Good audit and review
procedures in place.
Conforms with our experience of the acceptability of telephone triage
and advice to patients in the practice but is vastly more
sophisticated. May well look to introduce in locality.
Colin J Browne The Black Country Family Practice
Queens Rd, Tipton, West Midlands, England
http://www.bcfp.demon.co.uk/
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