Osakidetza has taken a significant step to reinforce the role of nursing in Primary Care. A new triage system is being piloted in Llanada Alavesa, designed to better organize consultations and provide a quicker response to each patient.
When an individual contacts their health center, nursing staff will assess their situation and determine which professional should attend to them, what type of appointment is needed, and with what urgency. This approach aims to prevent unnecessary waiting times and ensure that each case reaches the appropriate professional from the outset.
With this model, nursing assumes an even more prominent role within health centers. Beyond direct patient care, nurses also guide, prioritize, and help manage healthcare demand. To achieve this, professionals utilize tools such as clinical interviews, vital sign measurements, and medical history reviews, all already in use within Osakidetza.
“"This system can be particularly useful for individuals with chronic diseases or complex health issues, such as heart failure, COPD, or significant pain."
The trial has already commenced in the Primary Care Unit of Llanada Alavesa, which includes the health center of Salvatierra-Agurain and the clinics of Asparrena, Alegría-Dulantzi, and Barrundia. This pilot will run until October 2026, after which the results will be analyzed, considering accessibility, changes in waiting times, and feedback from both professionals and citizens. Based on this data, Osakidetza will decide whether to extend the system to the rest of the Primary Care network.
Llanada Alavesa was chosen due to its specific characteristics. It is an area with an aging population, dispersed communities, and a high healthcare workload, a context where improved organization can have a significant impact.
