<p>Utilization of an Electronic Triage System by Emergency Department Nurses</p>

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency departments use triage systems to prioritize patients according to the severity of their condition. The Electronic Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (E-CTAS) is a popular system that categorizes patients into five levels to manage patient flow and prioritize patient access to health-care services. Methods: We assessed the factors that influence E-CTAS usage in emergency departments in Eastern Saudi Arabia. Seventy-one nurses were included from two emergency departments that adopted E-CTAS. We used the technology acceptance model (TAM) to assess the influencing factors. The TAM was reliable in the study setting (Cronbach's α = 0.87). Results: All of the TAM domains were significantly related to the usage of E-CTAS: perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, importance of training, social influence, behavior intention, and attitude. We also showed that E-CTAS use significantly increased with years of experience and training. Discussion: Many factors influenced the use of this electronic triage system. Focusing on these factors in future electronic triage system implementations might increase the hospital staff's compliance, thus improving accuracy and better organizing the patient flow in emergency departments.

Association between triage nurses' job satisfaction and professional capability: Results of a mixed‐method study

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The Effects on the Number of Patients Visiting the Emergency Units: Comparison Study Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

“… 5 These factors can lead to ED overcrowding with consequences such as increased waiting time, impaired patient-centered care, and disrupted evaluation and treatment. 6 , 7 The COVID-19 disease outbreak that first surfaced in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has had a major impact globally, affecting almost every country. 8 Emergency departments have provided a first point of contact for patients with or without the COVID virus symptoms and have been most heavily impacted by this outbreak.…”

Exploring Primary Care Streaming Pathway in Emergency Departments in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

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