Blood sampling during nurse triage reduces patient length of stay in the emergency department: A propensity score-weighted, population-based study

Background: Increases in patients' length of stay (LOS) in the emergency department (ED) have led to overcrowding.

Objectives: In this study, the implementation of blood sampling during triage in lower priority level patients was assessed as a possible means to reduce LOS.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed from January 2018 to January 2019. Lower priority level patients who required blood sampling for further diagnosis were considered. Patients who underwent blood sampling during triage evaluation were compared with those who underwent blood sampling after a physician's initial evaluation.

Results: During the study period, 15,596 patients were enrolled. LOS was shorter in patients who underwent triage blood sampling, presenting a median value of 154 min in comparison with the 172 min recorded in the control group (p < 0.001). Using a propensity score-matching to control the two groups' differences, LOS remained lower in the triage-sampling group (151 vs. 175 min; p < 0.001). In the adjusted multivariate model, triage blood sampling was found to be an independent factor for a decrease in the LOS, with standardized coefficient β = 0.857 (0.822-0.894; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Performing blood sampling during nurse triage can decrease LOS in ED and also reduce ED permanence after a physician's initial evaluation.