title: Implementing a nurse-led telephone advice system in ophthalmology.
abstract: This article describes the background research I undertook to determine the potential for a telephone advice line in this major specialist eye hospital in the United Kingdom. The information gained was used to implement a computer-based telephone assessment system with guidelines. This system enables a registered nurse with an ophthalmic qualification to offer telephone triage and general information and advice about eye problems. The help line was identified as a service that would enhance the care of patients with eye problems, their carers, and health providers. The help line, "Moorfields Direct," was given a dedicated telephone number and was officially launched in February 1999.
authors.affiliation: Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rendell
mesh_terms: D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000451:nursing*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000451:nursing*; D006782:Hospitals, Special / Q000458:organization & administration; D015277:Hotlines / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D019114:Remote Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D013041:Specialties, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom