Publisher's Synopsis
At a time when primary care has never been busier, the ability to assess effectively by telephone is vitally important. By understanding the problems of this demanding and risk-prone area, clinicians are better able to balance patient needs with workload demands and access to face-to-face appointments.
This book provides GPs, practice nurses and out-of-hours workers with a practical guide to what is required when undertaking triage or consultations on the telephone. Using real-world examples throughout, the book offers:
- A step-by-step guide to the basic principles of telephone assessment
- A summary of the potential pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Guidance on how to quality-assure each call before concluding safely
- Protocols to use for every call
