(A260) Triage Decision-Making in Intoxication

Abstract

Background and Aims

Decision-making is the major component in triaging EDs patients. EDs Triage systems have applied different approaches to triaging intoxicated patients. Pros & Cons for these approaches need to be identified. Aim is to analysis management of intoxicated patients during various triage process.

Methods

Critical review includes five triage systems, Emergency Severity Index, Australasian Triage Scale, Canadian triage and Acuity Scale, Manchester Triage System and 5-tier Triage protocol. These systems have been analyzed via meta-synthesis in terms of evidence-based criteria, inclusiveness, specific application and practicability.

Results

General physiologic signs & symptoms were the gold standard for determining acuity in patients that have been applied by all triage systems. Conscious level, air way, respiratory status and circulation assessment were identified as major criteria in decision-making. 5-tier Triage protocol showed the most comprehensiveness characteristics to prioritizing intoxicated patients.

Discussion

Resources necessary for evidence-based performance to support nursing decisions in triaging intoxicated patients needs fundamentally to be developed. It`s necessary to develop National Triage Scale to approach intoxicated patients effectively.