The clinical triage telephone assessment in general practice - A quick guide for clinicians.

This practical eLearning module supports prescribing health professionals working in general practice to confidently conduct focused 3–5-minute clinical triage calls. It’s ideal for clinicians wanting to sharpen their triage skills and contribute to a more equitable, responsive model of care.

Grounded in the principles of the Health Care Home model of care, this training ensures care is timely, appropriate, and delivered by the right team member, supporting both equity and continuity.

Clinical triage is not a full consultation, but a brief assessment over the phone to determine next steps. This module provides a simple, effective structure to keep calls focused while reassuring patients that care is accessible and responsive. 

Triage plays a key role in improving equity by reducing barriers to care and prioritising those who need it most. It also supports smoother practice flow by minimising unnecessary in-person appointments and making the most of urgent same-day bookings.

Course Learning objective:

• Understand the purpose and role of clinical triage in general practice

• Apply a 5-step clinical triage call structure and practice tips

• Consider key equity factors in triage decisions

• Set up effective templates to support triage workflows

• Identify key enablers for successful clinical triage

This interactive learning includes real-life scenarios, downloadable tools, and practical tips. It’s part of Collaborative Aotearoa’s commitment to supporting high-performing general practice teams. Let’s get started and make every call count!

Estimated duration: 40–60 minutes