title: Design of a Medical Triage Evidence-Based Clinical Management Protocol and Implementation of Medical Triage On-Line Training for Use by Mission of Mercy Volunteers.
abstract: Evidence-based protocols in safety net settings can help standardize care practices, increase organizational workflow, and enhance quality outcomes for those receiving services. The purpose of this quality improvement project is two-fold: to design an evidence-based medical triage clinical management protocol, and, to influence adherence to that protocol by safety net medical triage volunteers through an on-line volunteer orientation. Leadership skills were required to help translate evidence-based practice recommendations into useful tools to assist in directing practice. Project outcomes included successful multidisciplinary practice change, significantly improved volunteer knowledge surrounding medical triage protocol parameters, increased organizational workflow, and enhanced quality client outcomes.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nursing , Salisbury University , Salisbury , Maryland.
authors.forename: Kimberly D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nursing , Salisbury University , Salisbury , Maryland.
authors.forename: Mary C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: DiBartolo
authors.affiliation: b Dentist , Private Practice , Salisbury , Maryland.
authors.forename: Debra L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Welsh
authors.affiliation: a Department of Nursing , Salisbury University , Salisbury , Maryland.
authors.forename: Voncelia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003729:Dental Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D055094:Evidence-Based Dentistry / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008396:Maryland; D009909:Oral Health; D016730:Program Development; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000379:methods; D014218:Triage / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D014838:Volunteers