Effect of Pediatric Triage Education on Nurses' knowledge and Attitude at Emergency Department

Abstract

Background: Triage can be defined as sorting incoming patients at the emergency department based on their urgency rather than attendance. Unprofessional triage can have negative consequences, particularly for children. The study was aimed to determine the effect of pediatric triage education on nurses' knowledge and attitude at emergency department. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was used. Subject: A purposive sampling of 50 nurses participated in the study Setting: the study was carried out at emergency departments of El Mabara Hospital of Tanta and El Mahala ElKobra which are affiliated to health insurance. Two tools were utilized Tool I: knowledge structured interview schedule: to evaluate nurses' knowledge about pediatric triage and Australian triage scale descriptors for categories. Tool II: Nurses' attitude measuring scale. Results: The nurses' level of knowledge and attitude toward triage was improved post triage education as compared to pre triage education. Conclusion: it is proved that triage education enhanced nurses' knowledge and attitude toward triage. Recommendations: Emergency nurses ought to be provided with regular in-service training program on the Australian triage scale, which includes both theoretical and practical components.