Patient triage to specialist outpatient clinics—time to standardize terminology

Abstract

Objectives The objectives of this study were to evaluate existing nomenclature used for outpatient referrals triage and propose a system, which meets the needs of McMaster Children’s Hospital and can be modified for use in other hospitals. Methods We reviewed triage practices in the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario and conducted a literature search to assess terminology used for outpatient referrals triage at other institutions. Results There is lack of unified terminology for triaging outpatient referrals. Existing systems are not widely accepted, lack uniformity, and often miss recording the true acuity of the referral. We developed a system that covers most outpatient triage scenarios, allocates either flexible or precise visit timelines to referrals and plans for logistics of the patient’s visit. Triage categories are iMMediate (MM), Acute (A) (1 to 14 days), Semi-Acute (S) (1 to 3 months), Timetabled (T) (next available appointment slot), Evaluated (E) (used for either forwarding to another provider or requesting additional information), and Rejected (R) categories—McMASTER triage system. Several numbered subcategories are used in each category to define precise timelines, if needed. Visit logistics categories are the following: Hub (H) (place to see the patient), How to notify patient and referring provider (HP) and (HD), need to Start with tests prior to appointment (S), and need to Complete (C) other relevant local processes—HHSC logistics system. Both these systems may be adapted for local use in other institutions. Conclusion This is the first publication that proposes terminology standardization in triaging outpatient referrals for specialist paediatric services.