Triage is easy, said no triage nurse ever

Construction of learning objectives and content for emergency triage nurses in tertiary general hospitals: A Delphi study

AIM

To construct learning objectives and educational content for emergency triage nurses based on core competencies.

BACKGROUND

The core competencies of emergency triage nurses has an impact on the quality of medical services and patient treatment outcomes. However, research on learning objectives and educational content aimed at cultivating the core competencies of emergency triage nurses is limited.

DESIGN

A Delphi study.

METHODS

To develop a draft of the teaching objectives and content for emergency triage nurses based on core competencies, a literature review, semistructured interviews and expert group meetings were conducted. Then, 24 experts were invited to provide feedback on the draft and suggest revisions through two rounds of Delphi consultation.

RESULTS

Consensus was reached on six core competencies, 30 learning objectives and 43 educational contents. The response rate for the two rounds of expert questionnaires was 100 %, with 79.2 % and 54.2 % of the experts providing feedback in the first and second rounds, respectively. The judgement coefficient (Ca) was 0.910, the familiarity coefficient (Cs) was 0.917 and the authority coefficient (Cr) was 0.914. The Kendall's W coefficients for the two rounds of expert inquiry were 0.321 and 0.334, indicating a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Constructing learning objectives and educational content for emergency triage nurses based on core competencies is scientific and reliable and can provide a reference for the training and management of emergency triage nurses.

Factors contributing to patient safety during triage process in the emergency department: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Triage is a dynamic environment in which large numbers of people can present. It presents a vulnerable assessment point, as a triage nurse must assess a patient's urgency level and analyse their health status and expected resource needs. Given the critical nature of triage, it is necessary to understand the factors contributing to patient safety.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and examine the factors contributing to patient safety during the triage process.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was undertaken, and a thematic analysis of the factors contributing to patient safety during the triage process. PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Sciences, Science Direct, SAGE, EMBASE and reference lists of relevant studies published in English until March 2022 were searched for relevant studies. The search protocol has been registered at the PROSPERO (CRD42019146616), and the review was conducted using the PRISMA criteria.

RESULTS

Out of 5366 records, we included 11 papers for thematic synthesis. Identified factors contributing to patient safety in triage are related to the emergency's work environment, such as patient assessment, high workload, frequent interruptions and staffing, and personal factors such as nurse traits, experience, knowledge, triage fatigue and work schedule.

CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that patient safety is influenced by the attitude, capabilities and experiences of triage nurses, the time when nurses can dedicate themselves to the patient and triage the patient without disruption. It is necessary to raise awareness among nursing administrators and healthcare professionals to provide a safe triage environment for patients.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This review highlights the evidence on the factors contributing to patient safety in the triage process. Further research is needed for this cohort of triage nurses in the emergency department concerning ensuring patient safety.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution was required to design or undertake this review.