Sandra Barron explains how developing a modified system of triage has helped to improve rapid assessment processes in the general practice setting

The white paper The New NHS: Modern, Dependable (DoH 1997) clearly outlines the need for easier and faster advice and information for people about health and illness. Earlier the Patient’s Charter (DoH 1991) identified triage systems as ‘a key element in response to the patient as a consumer’ and with the NHS Plan (DoH 2000) urging nurses to undertake wider roles it could all be interpreted to support the development of innovative nurse triage systems within the general practice setting. Evidence also supports nurse telephone consultation services as a way of successfully meeting patient’s health needs (Marklund et al 1991, Crouch and Dale 1998).