ASSESSMENT OF NURSES' KNOWLEDGE OF TRIAGE PROTOCOLS IN TERTIARY CARE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

Abstract

Background: Triage, derived from the French word "trier" meaning to sort, is vital for optimizing patient outcomes in emergency departments. Effective triage by registered nurses (RNs) can be hindered by factors such as overcrowding, training gaps, and limited experience. Objective: This study aimed to assess the triage knowledge of RNs in tertiary care hospital emergency departments, examining factors like education and experience, and suggesting improvements for emergency decision-making. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 72 nurses holding diplomas or degrees, selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: Most nurses (68.1%) held basic nursing degrees, and 75% had 0–5 years of experience. While 59.7% attended seminars, practical training was limited. Significant knowledge gaps were noted: only 41.7% correctly identified the black triage color for deceased patients, and 66.7% recognized red for immediate priority. Additionally, 34.7% were unclear about triage nurses’ responsibilities. Conclusion: Although emergency nurses have a foundational understanding of triage, critical gaps in knowledge and role clarity persist, potentially compromising triage effectiveness. Enhancing education and defining roles are essential to improve emergency care quality and timeliness