Effectiveness of Triage Professionals' Knowledge and Experience on Their Ability in Early Diagnosis and Consequent Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Literature Review Study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the impact of triage professionals' knowledge, experience, and other key attributes on their ability to accurately diagnose and initiate early treatment for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) through a review of existing literature. Methods: A literature review was conducted using established databases. Studies examining the relationship between triage professionals' expertise and their ability to manage suspected ACS cases were included. Results: The review uncovered several key themes regarding the role of triage professionals in managing suspected ACS cases: Triage professionals must possess multifaceted expertise, combining strong knowledge, clinical competency, effective communication, and sound decision-making skills to effectively manage potential ACS cases in high-pressure environments. Accurate ACS identification demands specific skills such as comprehensive knowledge, competent assessment, clear communication, and strong decision-making abilities. Experience plays a significant role in shaping triage professionals' abilities, enhancing intuitive skills and pattern recognition. However, it can also be susceptible to limitations such as fatigue-induced bias, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate these challenges. Educational interventions emerge as effective tools for improving triage professionals' knowledge and confidence levels. Well-designed training programs have been shown to lead to quicker identification of high-risk patients, potentially resulting in improved patient outcomes. Despite these findings, the review identified several gaps and areas for improvement in current research. Limitations include a lack of emphasis on the direct link between interventions and patient outcomes, limited longitudinal studies, and variations in methodology and setting that hinder generalizability. Addressing these limitations is crucial for advancing our understanding of the effectiveness of educational interventions in improving the early management of ACS by triage professionals. Conclusion: Continuous learning, standardized practices, and ongoing research are crucial to optimize the role of triage professionals in early ACS management. Addressing the identified limitations in research methodology and implementing future studies as suggested can potentially improve patient outcomes and enhance the healthcare system's response to this time-sensitive condition.