In the context of case management, what does triage mean?

Triage refers to the process of prioritizing patients based on their health needs to ensure that those who are most in need of care receive it first. In a case management context, this means assessing patients’ conditions to determine the urgency of their needs and organizing care accordingly. By prioritizing patients, healthcare providers can manage resources more effectively and improve health outcomes, especially in situations where resources may be limited or when many patients are seeking care simultaneously.

This understanding is critical in scenarios such as emergency care, where quick decisions must be made to address potentially life-threatening situations. For instance, a case manager may assess multiple patients and decide that one requires immediate intervention due to severe symptoms, while another can wait for treatment. Therefore, the triage process is essential for maximizing the efficiency of healthcare delivery and ensuring that all patients receive the appropriate level of care in a timely manner.