Total Triage is a system where every patient contacting a GP practice provides information about the reason for their contact before any appointment is booked. It has been designed to get as many patients using the online route as possible to submit their requests – this has many advantages including:
- Taking pressure off the phones so those who need to use the phone benefit from short wait times (basically all patients then benefit).
- Reception staff have more time to help these, generally more vulnerable, patients.
- You have a validated digital route to communicate by message with the patient.
This is a national NHS project and all general practices must adopt the system by 31st March 2025. Larkside Practice will be launching this system on Monday 1st July 2024.
Total Triage allows patients to submit their symptoms or requests to their own GP electronically, and offers around the clock NHS self-help information, signposting to services, and a symptom checker.
Total Triage has been built by NHS GPs for NHS patients, designed to enhance patient access, improve practice efficiencies and signpost patients to the right place at the right time for their care.
How does it work
All patients need to submit their request via the online consultation system. Ideally, patients will submit their own request however we appreciate that this may not be possible for some patients. Our staff can complete the form on behalf of patients who cannot use the online system directly. You can also ask a family member or care provider to complete the request if you prefer.
This means that all requests are dealt with in a single process which is simpler and more efficient and allows the entire team to co-ordinate their efforts – sharing, reassigning, advising.
A clinician will review all the medical requests and assign to the most appropriate resource based on the information provided by the patient, this could be a GP, pharmacist, physiotherapist, etc. and assess how best to manage the request i.e. Face to Face appointment or telephone consultation.
The Total Triage service will have a staggered opening time to cope with demand and allow us to safely manage the number of patients we can consult with on a daily basis. You will not be able to send your GP a Total Triage form over the weekend, when you should instead contact the NHS 111 service. NHS 111 will put you in touch with the out of hours doctor if your problem needs GP assistance over the weekend.
You’ll wonder how you did without it!
- You may not need a trip to the surgery and your query may be resolved with a phone call.
- Triage ensures that limited healthcare resources are allocated to patients who need them most urgently.
- By prioritising patient, triage reduces waiting times for those with urgent medical needs. Patients receive timely care, leading to better outcomes.
- Improved patient safety as triage helps to identify high risk patients early, allowing healthcare providers to intervene promptly. This prevents complications and reduces the risk for adverse events.
- Triage streamlines the patient flow within the practice and makes the process more organised and efficient.
- You can check health symptoms online and receive on the spot medical advice and treatment guidance thanks to NHS content. This part of the Total Triage service is available 24/7.
- Access wherever and whenever you want from any device. Unlike a telephone call, you can complete a Total Triage form at a pace that suits you.
- You can request sick notes and test results and the clinician will advise if you need an appointment. Saving you time.