Term	Definition	Example
Disposition	The decision a triage clinician makes about what happens next — whether the caller should manage at home, attend urgent care, go to A&E, or call 999.	"The disposition was clear: take Jamie to urgent care tonight rather than waiting until morning."
Clinical concern	A symptom or sign identified during assessment that suggests the situation may be more serious than it first appeared and warrants escalation.	"Reduced responsiveness is a clinical concern for me — I'd like to ask a few more questions."
Severity	How serious or intense a symptom is, often rated on a scale — used to determine the appropriate disposition.	"Can you tell me about the severity of the fever — how high has it been?"
Responsiveness	The degree to which a patient reacts to verbal or physical stimulus — a key assessment point in paediatric triage calls.	"Is he responding when you call his name? That's what I need to know about his responsiveness."
Worsening	A symptom or condition that is getting worse over time rather than staying the same or improving.	"Has the lethargy been worsening since this afternoon, or has it stayed about the same?"
Callback number	The telephone number a triage clinician records so they can ring the caller back if the line drops or follow-up is needed.	"Can I take a callback number before we start, just in case we get cut off?"
Out-of-hours	The period when a GP surgery or clinic is closed — typically evenings, weekends, and public holidays — covered by NHS 111 or a GP out-of-hours service.	"You're calling the out-of-hours line because the surgery is closed at 9 PM."
Urgent care	An intermediate level of medical care between routine GP appointments and emergency services — for conditions that need attention today but are not life-threatening.	"I'd like you to take Jamie to your nearest urgent care centre tonight."
Self-care	Managing a mild illness at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies rather than seeking professional medical attention.	"This would normally be suitable for self-care at home, but the reduced responsiveness changes that."
Escalation	Moving to a more urgent level of care — for example, from phone advice to urgent care, or to calling 999 for an emergency.	"If the responsiveness worsens further, that would be an escalation to 999."

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