Protocols for minor injuries telemedicine

Protocols are essential in a nurse-led minor injuries unit. They allow the identification of agreed steps that need to occur in a sequential and timel y fashion for a given process. Protocols fall into four categories: (1) for the management of specific clinical conditions; (2) for ordering and inter preting radiographs; (3) for prescribing and dispensing medications; (4) fo r conducting the teleconsultation itself. Current examples are given which offer a clear demonstration of the types of protocol that are in use in the UK for minor injuries telemedicine and how they are presented.