Keywords

advanced practice, midwives, nurse practitioners, obstetric, triage

 

Authors

  1. Angelini, Diane J. EdD, CNM, CNAA, FACNM

Abstract

Obstetric triage is a rapidly growing area of obstetric care where most pregnancy complaints are evaluated starting at 20-24 weeks' gestation. This renewed interest in establishing obstetric triage units and using advanced practice nurses as care providers has heightened the visibility of obstetric triage for administrators and practitioners alike. This article reviews the history of obstetric triage, the role dimensions of advanced practice nurses in triage (specifically midwives), the increased clinical risks associated with obstetric triage, risk reduction strategies, and obstetric triage practice trends and liability issues in the future.