‘Tele-Triage’ models designed to keep patients and clinicians safe

Patients at a Jefferson Health emergency department in Philadelphia might see a clinician on screen before seeing one in person with the hospital’s “tele-triage,” arrangement, according to an article on the HealthTech website. 

By speaking via secure video chat a doctor or physician assistant can gather information and even approve a discharge without taking up a bed or treatment room. 

“We can evaluate a patient that may or may not have the flu or a cold or COVID, and you don’t have to put a provider in there with them.” said Dr. Judd Hollander, senior vice president for healthcare delivery innovation at Jefferson Health. 

Treating incoming patients in a separate part of a care facility also helps avoid cross-contamination. Patients who screen positive in ambulatory care settings can be given a tablet and isolated in an exam room. 

Read the article.