Triage in the Emergency and Admitting Department

Abstract

Malta's Emergency and Admitting Department provides a unique blend of casualty, orthopaedic out patients facilities and disaster management for road, air and sea incidents, making it an extremely busy department. Investigating the Department for feasibility of implementing a nurse triage system appears to be a priority. A questionnaire was devised to elicit the views of nursing and medical personnel working within the Emergency and Admitting Department, on how the decision is currently made to provide a patient with immediate care, and who is responsible for that decision. A pilot study was carried out using a sample of 6 nurses and doctors, and yielding an 83% response rate. The questionnaire scored highly on face validity and inter-rater reliability, requiring only minor amendments before it may be used in the main study. One of the shortcomings acknowledged within the study is that a single method of data collection may not be sufficient and that the questionnaire may need to be augmented with interview or observation within the Department. The author concludes that to introduce triage into the Emergency and Admitting Department, it may be necessary for in-service training, and a review of documentation, but by taking note of the views of staff currently working within the Department, any changes made may be welcomed and sustained, leading to improved quality of care for patients.