AOHC Encore 2022-228: Implementing Nurse Tele-Triage Services for Workplace Injuries

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video features Dr. Raj Hassan, an occupational medicine physician, discussing the development of a telehealth nurse service in the Yale New Haven health system. The telehealth service was created in response to the increased burden on the health system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The service provides guidance, triage, and evaluations for various conditions and injuries to employees of the health system. The nurses use standing protocols developed by clinicians to assess symptoms and determine the appropriate course of action, with clinicians available for consultation when necessary. The telehealth nurse service has been successful in reducing time away from work for employees, reducing waiting times, and diverting unnecessary visits to urgent care or the emergency room. The service has expanded to include workers' compensation injury triage, return-to-work clearances, vaccine inquiries, and virtual TB test reading. Early measures of success include high employee satisfaction and significant time savings for employees. The service operates during regular business hours but the health system offers alternative resources for employees who require assistance outside of those hours. The telehealth nurse service has been well received and plans are in place to further expand and integrate it with other services provided by the health system.

Keywords

telehealth nurse service

COVID-19 pandemic

symptoms assessment

reducing waiting times

workers' compensation injury triage

return-to-work clearances

vaccine inquiries

virtual TB test reading

service expansion