A set of four slides describing key issues in the emerging subspecialty of nurse triage

A set of four slides authored by Sheila Wheeler, RN, MS, describing key issues in the emerging subspecialty of nurse triage. Collectively, the slides
address current risk management issues, system error, common practice error
leading to malpractice, nurse triage standards and clinical training for triage.
They describe the evolution of the emerging pre-hospital triage, guidelines,
effects of technology on triage safety, risk reduction strategies, clinician
qualifications, and guideline limitations along with the need for clear
documentation and disposition clarity.
The document stresses the importance of direct patient communication,
thorough assessment, and the use of guidelines as a decision-support rather
than a decision-making tool.
Please Note: Terminology related to the emerging field of pre-hospital triage is
still evolving. Currently, the term that appears most inclusive and appropriate is
nurse triage, intended to apply to triage in pre-hospital, virtual or telehealth
settings. The slides presented here span several decades and include
terminology that might now be outdated. Ms. Wheeler includes this work as a
form of transparency – a “paper trail” and evidence of continuity of her work.

1. Overview of Slides
A set of four slides authored by Sheila Wheeler, RN, MS, provide an overview of
key issues in the emerging subspecialty of nurse triage. Collectively, the slides
address current risk management issues, system error, common practice error
leading to malpractice, nurse triage standards and clinical training for triage.
They describe the evolution of the emerging pre-hospital triage, guidelines,
effects of technology on triage safety, risk reduction strategies, clinician
qualifications, and guideline limitations along with the need for clear
documentation and disposition clarity.
The document stresses the importance of direct patient communication,
thorough assessment, and the use of guidelines as a decision-support rather
than a decision-making tool.
Please Note: Terminology related to the emerging field of pre-hospital triage is
still evolving. Currently, the term that appears most inclusive and appropriate is
nurse triage, intended to apply to triage in pre-hospital, virtual or telehealth
settings. The slides presented here span several decades and include
terminology that might now be outdated. Ms. Wheeler includes this work as a
form of transparency – a “paper trail” and evidence of continuity of her work.