A Blueprint for Care: Adapting and Implementing Standardized Triage in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

BackgroundIn pediatric hematology and oncology (PHO), standardized care pathways are pivotal for high-quality and efficient patient care. The institutional acute care clinic identified a critical gap in standardized triage processes, which leads to variability in patient assessment and care. Recognizing the necessity for a streamlined approach, a structured, evidence-based triage pathway was developed to improve consistency and quality of care.MethodA systematic review of institutional triage operations was initiated, pinpointing significant discrepancies and reliance on outdated practices. A multidisciplinary team formulated a set of electronic medical record (EMR)-integrated triage templates derived from established triage resources. These templates structured the documentation process and facilitated real-time patient information access, and comprehensive nurse training on these new protocols was conducted through simulations to ensure adept use of the system.ResultsThe new triage system standardized patient assessment by using a color-coded algorithm to prioritize care based on severity, replacing inconsistent practices with a unified approach. The integrated EMR templates enhanced documentation accuracy and streamlined the assessment process, although the exact impact on workflow efficiency cannot be quantified without supporting data.DiscussionImplementation of this standardized triage pathway is a significant advancement in acute care for PHO patients, promoting consistent and reliable patient assessments. This approach underscores the importance of uniform care delivery and sets a foundation for continuous improvement and potential adoption by other institutions.