Factors Associated with Patient Triage Accuracy in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Triage in the Emergency Department (ED) aims to provide timely emergency interventions in accordance with the urgency of the patient's condition. Triage decisions may be related to both nursing and patient factors. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the accuracy of patient triage in the ED of Arifin Achmad Regional General Hospital in Riau Province, Indonesia. The study utilized a quantitative approach with a descriptive analytic design using a cross-sectional approach. The study population were adult patients aged 18 years and above who came to the ED, with a sample size of 80 patients selected through consecutive sampling. Triage data were collected using an observation sheet, and triage accuracy was assessed by comparing nursing triage decisions with those of the attending ED physician, considered as the gold standard. Data analysis included univariate and bivariate analyses using Fisher's exact test, as well as multivariate analysis with logistic regression. The majority of respondents were adults aged 18-59 years (n=56, 70.0%), male (n=55, 68.8%), non-trauma emergency status (n=65, 81.2%), self-transported (n=66, 82.5%), and 68 respondents (85%) had accurate triage results. Fisher's exact test showed significant associations between age, gender, mode of transportation, type of emergency, and triage accuracy, with all p-values <0.005. The most significant factors associated with triage accuracy were male gender (OR 8.237, 95% CI= 1.875-36.199, p-value 0.005) and adult age (OR 5.270, 95% CI= 1.267-21.927, p-value 0.022). In conclusion, there were significant associations between age, gender, mode of transportation, type of emergency, and triage accuracy, with male gender and adult age being the most significant factors. Regular monitoring and evaluation of triage implementation are necessary to improve triage accuracy and patient outcomes in the ED.