Expert-informed and stakeholder-reviewed interprofessional triage model for primary care practices: a mixed-method...

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Practice Management
• Health Services Research
• Triage Systems

Background:

• Traditional primary care models center on physician capacity.
• Evolving models incorporate advanced practice nurses (APNs) and require updated patient allocation strategies.
• Effective triage is crucial for integrating diverse health professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a modified triage model for primary care.
• To enhance patient allocation in practices with multiple health professionals.
• To improve access to care by optimizing resource utilization.

Main Methods:

• Convergent mixed-method design across four phases in Swiss primary care.
• Survey of health professional readiness for change.
• Two Delphi rounds with experts, health professionals, and stakeholders to review and refine the triage model.

Main Results:

• Primary care professionals expressed interest in enhancing patient access.
• Current triage predominantly focused on physicians.
• The modified model was deemed practicable for systematic patient allocation to physicians, APNs, and other professionals based on consultation needs.

Conclusions:

• A modified triage model was developed, integrating international guidelines and expert/stakeholder input.
• The model supports the inclusion of health professionals beyond physicians in primary care triage.
• This approach facilitates more systematic and efficient patient distribution within primary care settings.