Web-based triage in a college health setting

J Am Coll Health. 2006 Mar-Apr;54(5):289-94. doi: 10.3200/JACH.54.5.289-294.

Abstract

The authors describe the initiation and use of a Web-based triage system in a college health setting. During the first 4 months of implementation, the system recorded 1,290 encounters. More women accessed the system (70%); the average age was 21.8 years. The Web-based triage system advised the majority of students to seek care within 24 hours; however, it recommended self-care management in 22.7% of encounters. Sore throat was the most frequent chief complaint (14.2%). A subset of 59 students received treatment at student health services after requesting an appointment via e-mail. The authors used kappa statistics to compare congruence between chief complaint and 24/7 WebMed classification (kappa = .94), between chief complaint and student health center diagnosis (kappa = .91), and between 24/7 WebMed classification and student health center diagnosis (kappa = .89). Initial evaluation showed high use and good accuracy of Web-based triage. This service provides education and advice to students about their health care concerns.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Appointments and Schedules
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / classification
  • Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Florida
  • Humans
  • Information Services / standards
  • Information Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Internet / standards
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Self Care
  • Student Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Student Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data
  • Triage / classification
  • Triage / methods
  • Triage / standards*
  • Universities*