Factors influencing the classification accuracy of triage nurses in emergency department: analysis of triage nurses' characteristics

Background: Triage nurses play a vital role in emergency departments (Eds), with the accuracy of the triage nurse significantly impacting patient care and departmental efficiency. However, there is a lack of exploration into whether the time it takes for triage nurses to triage patients affects accuracy.

Method: This study analyzed the electronic medical records of 787 patients and the characteristics of triage nurses, using statistical methods to determine factors affecting classification accuracy. Data were collected from a single general hospital between November 1 and November 30, 2023.

Results: Findings revealed an 84.9% accuracy rate. Longer clinical experience (p = .001, CI = 1.094-2.052), as well as extended classification time (p = .002, CI = 1.338-2.916), significantly improved accuracy. Age and gender had no notable effect.

Conclusion: Enhancing triage nurse experience and allowing adequate classification time can improve accuracy, optimizing patient care and ED operations.