Back to the Basics: The Importance of Triage Education BACKGROUND • Triage accuracy is crucial in emergency nursing. Failure to effectively 3 triage can lead to : - delayed treatment - strained resources/nurse burnout - increased morbidity and mortality rates • This project aims to address the factors affecting triage acuity accuracy by improving nursing staff education, increasing confidence in triage 3,5 decisions, and improving triage accuracy . • Triage accuracy rates vary between 59.2% and 82%3 Chelsey Allgier, BSN, RN, MSN Student Dr. Trish Gibbs, DNP, RN, CNE Terra Zitting, NP, MSN INTERVENTIONS A PowerPoint training module was created for the nursing staff to serve as a refresher course on Emergency Severity Index (ESI) as well as common emergency conditions seen in the ED. Training will also serve as education for new employees orienting to triage. • Step 1: Triage acuity accuracy was assessed and needs determined. Nursing leadership approved education and deliverables • Step 2: Triage nurses completed a baseline survey assessing their current knowledge on triaging • Step 3: Nurses completed training module and completed post survey assessing their knowledge and confidence post training. • Step 4: Data gathered and assessed determining triage acuity accuracy rates. Presented data to nursing leadership. • Step 5: Ongoing improvements and monitoring of training/triage accuracy rates. IMPACTS The potential impact of triage education includes: METHODS Target Audience: Emergency department (ED) nurses who are responsible for triaging patients. Framework: The Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) model was utilized. • Pre-test to assess baseline knowledge of triage protocols (specifically the Emergency Severity Index - ESI). • Post-test and surveys to assess knowledge retention and improvements in confidence after training. • A PowerPoint review on the latest evidence-based practices in triage and the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) system. • Triage education can improve nurses' proficiency in assigning appropriate acuity levels to patients, which may improve 3. patient outcomes • Triage education can improve nurses' confidence in their ability to accurately triage patients2. • Increased proficiency and confidence levels can create a more efficient work environment, decrease stress, and improve 5. patient outcomes Pixabay Image CONCLUSIONS • The educational intervention has the potential to enhance triage 3 accuracy and nurse confidence in the emergency department . REFERENCES • Continued emphasis on regular education and training updates is 3 essential for maintaining high triage accuracy . 1Chen, Y., VanderLaan, P., & Heher, Y. (2021). Using the model for improvement and Plan-Do-Study-Act to effect smart change and advance quality. Cancer Cytopathology, 129(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/cncy.22319 2Hwang, S., Shin, S. (2023). Factors affecting triage competence among emergency room nurses: A cross-sectional • Triage education has shown a positive impact on improving patient 2,3,5 outcomes and increasing patient satisfaction regarding their care . study. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 32(13-14), 3589-3598. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16441 3Suamchaiyaphum, K., Jones, A., & Markaki, A. (2023). Triage accuracy of emergency nurses: An evidence-based review. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 50(1), 44-54. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.jen.2023.10.001 4Sudarshan, K., Yaming, L., Sileanu, F., Essien, U., Hannemann, M., Mor, M., Fine, M., Thorpe, C., Radomski, T., Suda, K., Gellad, W., & Roberts, E. (2024). Racial and ethnic differences in health care experiences for veterans receiving VA community care from 2016 to 2021. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 39(12):2249-2260. PDSA Framework