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What is orthopaedic triage? A systematic review
Joanne H Morris1, Rebecca E James, Rachel Davey
1Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
|November 21, 2014
Summary
This review of orthopaedic/musculoskeletal triage services found significant inconsistencies in definitions and processes. Standardization is needed for best-practice care delivery in hospital outpatient departments.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Clinical Triage Systems
Background:
- Hospital outpatient departments face increasing pressure from complex and chronic diseases.
- Novel care delivery models, termed 'triage' services, are emerging.
- Orthopaedic/musculoskeletal triage aims to optimize patient management and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on orthopaedic/musculoskeletal triage processes.
- To identify definitions, descriptions, and best practices for triage services.
- To provide guidance for healthcare facilities implementing triage models.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search identified studies on musculoskeletal triage clinics for surgical consultations.
- Studies were critically appraised using the McMaster quality appraisal tool.
- Thematic analysis was performed on definitions, processes, and procedures of triage.
Main Results:
- 45 studies were included from 1930 identified.
- Evidence levels were generally low, with poor critical appraisal scores.
- Three themes emerged: referral presence, triage configuration, and triage aim, but with significant inconsistencies.
Conclusions:
- A need for standardization in the definition of triage exists.
- Standardized assessment, management procedures, and outcome measures are required.
- Standardization will ensure best-practice processes and outcomes in orthopaedic/musculoskeletal triage clinics.
