Nurses’ Perception on the Hindrances of Triage System in Emergency Unit

Abstract

Background: Despite the fact that several triage tools have been implemented globally, emergency care, including the triage system, is often one of the weakest parts of the health system in developing countries, as compared to developed countries. Moreover, emergency centers in African countries are very busy, often flooded by high load of trauma patients, chronic medical conditions, acute medical emergencies, and HIV‐related conditions. These disease conditions precipitate the reasons for the prioritization of patients. In South Africa, studies conducted on the use of triage by nurses revealed that most patients are satisfied with the Nurse‐led triage service provided in emergency departments (EDs). At the same time, some Nurses also see the South African Triage Scale (SATS) as one of the easiest Nurse‐led triage tools.Aim: The study aimed at identifying the factors hindering the effective process of triage during care provision at a selected public hospital in KwaZulu‐Natal (KZN).Methods: This study utilized a cross‐sectional survey, employing a nonprobability convenience sampling to recruit its respondents. The recognition primed decision model formed the framework of the study. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of KwaZulu‐Natal Ethics Review Board, and ethics principles were carefully observed throughout the study.Results: Out of the 100 respondents, 89% (89) of the respondents perceived that various factors still impede the progress of triage, while 11% (11) of the respondents perceived that no factor impedes the progress of triage.Conclusion: The study indicates that several factors still hinder the effective process of triage. Based on the findings of the study, factors like overcrowding, Nurses waiting for doctors when they know what to do, lack of continuous professional development on triage system, inadequate experience, lack of confidence, and lack of adequate training on triage still impede the efficient triage system.