Training for the role of triage in Australasia

Abstract

To characterize the prerequisite experience and training undertaken by nurses for the role of triage in emergency departments in Australasia. Postal survey of charge nurses/unit nurse managers of all Australasian emergency departments accredited for specialist emergency physician training by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. The response rate was 89%. The most common duration of prerequisite experience was 12-18 months. Most programmes use a combination of educational activities, with self-directed learning packages, lectures and mentored experience being the most common. Three hospitals reported no preparation for triage. In Australasia, there is wide variability in required training and experience before triage duties are performed. Strategies to set suggested minimum standards in these areas and to make training activities more accessible are recommended.