Principles and Practices of the Telephone Consultant

This new book covers an introduction to telephone triage, familiarising the reader with the concepts involved in this area of nursing practice. Definitions are given and an exploration of how telephone triage is used is included. It also includes exposition of some of the pitfalls associated with it. The competencies required to carry out this type of nursing are explored in detail.
One of the most important areas within the skills required are effective communication skills. Clinical decision making skills are also explored and their relevance to this area of nursing. The use of assessment skills/tools is included, and the rational for the need for other skills used such as advanced interpersonal skills, a sound knowledge base and good IT skills. The use of case visualisation, sometimes referred to as picture building is explored as it is fundamental to the way the decision will be made as to what advice the patient is given.
The book concludes with a fairly upbeat chapter called Dont beat yourself up, which will reinforce the difficult nature of this type of nursing, allows the reader to be realistic about what is achievable without being over stressed.