Implementation of advanced triage in the Emergency Department of high complexity public hospital: Research protocol

Abstract

Aim To evaluate the efficacy of advanced nurse triage based on the quality of care outcomes of patients attending the Emergency Department of a high‐complexity hospital. To analyse the concept of advanced triage and the essential elements of the construct. Design Mixed longitudinal study, divided into 4 steps; which will include an initial qualitative step, two observational studies and finally, a quasi‐experimental study. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05230108. Methods Step 1 will consist of a concept analysis. Step 2 will include a mapping of advanced practice protocol terminologies. Step 3 will analyse the opinion of health professionals on advanced triage. In step 4: in the retrospective phase ( n = 1095), sociodemographic and clinical variables and quality indicators such as waiting time will be analysed. After that, in the prospective phase ( n = 547), advanced triage will be implemented and the two cohorts will be compared. The whole study will be carried out from January 2022 to January 2024. Discussion Patients classified as low complexity at triage are more vulnerable to emergency department overcrowding. The implementation of advanced triage would make it possible to respond to patient needs by offering equitable and quality healthcare, facilitating accessibility, safety and humanization of the emergency department.

Geriatric trauma triage: optimizing systems for older adults—a publication of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Geriatric Trauma Committee

“…Despite the argument that complex triage mechanisms may poorly affect outcomes, a systematic review demonstrates improved mortality and lag times. 41 42 Furthermore, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms may further our ability to quickly and optimally triage patients, although that is outside the scope of this review. Even still, mortality may not be an accurate indicator of outcomes in this population, as goals of care discussions and patient-centered outcomes should remain at the forefront of the care of this patient population.…”

Strategies to Measure and Improve Emergency Department Performance: A Review

“…Additionally, integrating advanced triage protocols can significantly reduce wait times and improve patient flow [82]. By employing skilled nurses or practitioners to conduct initial assessments and initiate necessary tests or treatments at the triage stage, hospitals can streamline the process, leading to quicker diagnosis and treatment [83,84]. Another key strategy involves enhancing coordination and communication between the ED and other hospital departments.…”

La palabra que articula y nombra

“…La salud del paciente es prioridad en el ámbito hospitalario. Los departamentos de emergencias son espacios donde se concentra una gran afluencia de personas con afecciones graves que pueden comprometer su salud (Font-Cabrera et al, 2023). Por esta razón, el personal médico debe estar preparado las 24 horas del día para responder favorablemente a situaciones de alta complejidad (Aghabarary et al, 2023;Lin et al, 2020).…”