Date of Publication

2016

Abstract

Nurse Triage Lines (NTL) have been utilized since the 1970s as a healthcare service delivery model. The efficacy of their utilization has been proven in non-acute, mainly primary care settings. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in the United States, NTLs proved their efficacy in an acute emergency event. The Minnesota FluLine, the exemplar case study, showed a significant reduction in unnecessary healthcare resource utilization as well as a significant economic cost savings.

This project performed an organizational assessment for the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) focused on implementing an NTL. Through qualitative semi-structured interviews with key informants, key themes surround the implementation of an NTL were identified utilizing a modified Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats model. Through quantitative use of economic modeling, a cost savings analysis was preformed to explore potential cost savings for Vermont if an NTL had been established during the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic.

Results of this project suggest that there is a need for an NTL. Furthermore, VDH is capable of implementing an NTL. Future projects should focus on operationalizing an NTL and evaluating the process and outcomes.

Document Type

Project

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