Evaluating the use of patient pathway scores in medical assessments

Aim This article describes the modification and testing of a triage tool, the patient pathway assessment score (PPAS), which could be used by all grades of nursing staff to triage patients in a medical assessment area (MAA). The aim was to increase patient satisfaction and reduce waiting times. Method Staff scored all patients using PPAS, but used the existing triage process to assign patients to one of the MAA's two pathways. Two researchers reviewed patients' notes retrospectively to determine which pathway they should have followed and compared this to the outcome that would have occurred if the PPAS score had been used. Results Full, rather than theoretical, use of the PPAS tool could have reduced patient waiting times, as 55 (24%) out of 231 patients would have been allocated to the correct pathway. Conclusion The tool could improve patients' journeys through the MAA by ensuring they are allocated to the correct pathway. It is now implemented in practice.