What is Triage
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course
or enter your email below to watch one free video.
Unlock This Video Now for FREE
This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.
Understanding Triage in Emergency Settings
Definition and Levels of Triage
Mark and Shawn discuss the concept and levels of triage:
- Definition of Triage: Triage is derived from the French word meaning 'to sort'. It involves assessing and sorting patients based on the severity of their condition.
- Levels of Triage: Includes initial scene triage and major incident triage, adapting to different scenarios and resource needs.
- Importance of Dynamic Assessment: Quickly determines patient priority and resource requirements.
Nurse's Perspective on Triage
Mark explains the importance of triage from a nursing perspective:
- Initial Patient Assessment: Crucial for determining severity and necessary treatment.
- Consideration of Treatment Needs: Assessing not only severity but also treatment urgency.
- Pathway Decision-Making: Directing patients to appropriate care pathways to avoid A&E congestion.
Effective Triage Process
Mark and Shawn elaborate on the efficiency and accuracy of the triage process:
- Manchester Triage System: Utilises colour-coded urgency levels (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue) based on initial patient assessment.
- Speeding Up Patient Care: Ensures timely treatment and reduces waiting times by directing patients to the right care pathway.
- Importance of Accurate Assessment: Critical for assigning correct priority and ensuring appropriate treatment location.
A to E Assessment
Mark discusses the A to E assessment process during triage:
- A to E Assessment: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Neurological Disability, and Exposure assessment.
- Quick Evaluation: Rapid assessment to gauge patient severity and immediate needs.
- Time Frame: Ideally completed within 10 minutes to expedite patient care.
Patient Interaction and Satisfaction
Mark addresses patient interaction and satisfaction during the triage process:
- Communication and Comfort: Balancing quick assessment with patient reassurance and understanding.
- Managing Expectations: Informing patients of the triage process and subsequent care pathway.
- Closure and Pathway Guidance: Concluding the triage process with clarity on next steps for the patient.
Understanding and effectively implementing triage ensures patients receive timely and appropriate care, improving overall emergency department efficiency.