Hospital telephone triage line improves ED efficiency
Midland Memorial Hospital's telephone triage system logged some 4,700 calls in its first three months, and 65% of patients who told the nurse they thought they should go to the emergency department were referred to a clinic or other source of care. Officials at the Texas facility said the triage line has made a significant difference in the acuity levels of patients in the ED and led to faster admissions and "door-to-doctor time." Midland Reporter-Telegram (Texas) (11/03)