What is the difference between red flags and yellow flags in patient assessments?

Red flags and yellow flags serve distinct purposes in patient assessments, specifically in identifying the urgency and seriousness of a patient's condition. Red flags are indicators of potentially serious medical conditions that typically necessitate immediate attention and may justify urgent transport to an appropriate medical facility. They often point to critical situations where timely intervention can have a significant impact on patient outcomes.

In contrast, yellow flags are more related to psychosocial factors that may affect a patient's recovery and response to treatment, such as beliefs about pain, emotional responses, or socio-economic issues. While they are important to consider in the overall management of a patient, they do not indicate immediate medical emergencies requiring urgent action.

Thus, the differentiation lies in the urgency and the type of concern highlighted by these flags. Red flags demand immediate response, while yellow flags signal issues that might complicate recovery but do not necessitate urgent transport.