Every unnecessary ED visit drains time, money, and morale—and many are preventable. The key is how you use your triage protocols.
At Conduit Health Partners, we go beyond simply using Schmitt-Thompson guidelines, the industry standard. Our trained RNs apply them the right way, with real-time routing and integration aligned to your system’s goals, helping reduce preventable ED visits, improve outcomes and protect revenue.
Why Schmitt-Thompson Protocols Matter
Schmitt-Thompson protocols, developed by Drs. Barton Schmitt and David Thompson, are considered the gold standard in telephonic nurse triage. These evidence-based tools guide nurses through consistent, safe, and medically appropriate decision-making for a wide range of symptoms.
Using Schmitt-Thompson protocols helps health systems:
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- Ensure clinical consistency across patient interactions
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- Reduce liability and risk of inappropriate triage
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- Improve patient safety and satisfaction
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- Route patients to the right level of care—whether self-care, a next-day appointment, or urgent evaluation
When properly used, these protocols don’t just streamline triage, they protect both the patient and the organization.
Do All Nurse Triage Vendors Use Schmitt-Thompson Guidelines?
Surprisingly, no.
While many nurse triage vendors reference Schmitt-Thompson, not all use them—or use them well. Some rely on:
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- Internally created or outdated triage tools
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- Schmitt-Thompson protocols used inconsistently
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- Non-clinical staff with automated scripts or decision trees
Even when vendors do use Schmitt-Thompson, how they implement it can vary dramatically.
Conduit Health Partners: Where Clinical Standards Meet Operational Excellence
At Conduit Health Partners, we treat Schmitt-Thompson protocols as non-negotiable. Every triage interaction is grounded in these guidelines, but we don’t stop there.
Here’s what sets Conduit Health Partners apart:
1. We Don’t Just Use the Protocols—We Elevate Them.
Our RNs are highly trained to apply Schmitt-Thompson protocols consistently and compassionately. It’s not just about checking boxes, it’s about protecting your patients and your brand.
2. RN-Only Model
All triage calls are handled by licensed, experienced RNs. No bots, no LPNs, no shortcuts. This ensures patients receive trusted clinical guidance every time.
3. End-to-End Access Navigation
Conduit Health Partners integrates nurse triage with:
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- Real-time scheduling
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- In-network routing
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- Outbound call support
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- Custom reporting dashboards
This means we don’t just assess symptoms, we help patients take their next best step, all while keeping them inside your system.
4. Health System DNA
We were built by health system leaders, for health system leaders. We understand the challenges of leakage, overcrowded EDs, clinician burnout and the need for efficient care routing. Our model supports growth, safety and access—all at once.
5. Strategic Partnership, Not Just a Vendor
We take the time to understand your goals, tailor the program to your workflows, and bring transparency and insights every step of the way. Whether you’re looking to preserve revenue, extend access or reduce unnecessary ED visits, we help you get there.
Bottom Line: Schmitt-Thompson Triage Guidelines are the Standard. Conduit Health Partners Is the Difference.
Having the protocols is just the beginning. It’s how you use them, and who’s using them, that determines your success.
With Conduit Health Partners, you’re not just checking the triage box. You’re creating a safer, smarter and more connected experience for every patient who calls.
Want to see how a clinically excellent triage program can help you reduce ED overuse, preserve revenue and improve access to care?
Let’s talk about how Conduit Health Partners can be the trusted extension of your care team.
