KNOWLEDGE OF TRIAGE AMONG NURSES IN EMERGENCY UNITS

Introduction: The emergency department is one of the key and essential departments in a hospital. It is the preliminary point of contact with the hospital for any kind of patient who has a need for immediate interventions. The assurance of the best possible care in emergency situations depends on the implementation of a swift triage system and strapping knowledge of triage among nurses. A structured triage system in emergency units could have a radical impact to improve the quality care of patients in hospitals. Research Methodology: A simple descriptive survey design was used to conduct this study. A sample of 100 nurses was selected from the emergency units of three local teaching hospitals by using the method of non-probability purposive sampling. Data was collected by a self administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed by SPSS version IBM – 20 and was represented in the form of figures, tables and percentages. Results: It was sum that a large number of participants (69%) were having poor knowledge as they corrected less than 50% of the questions in the self administered questionnaires. The overall correct responses of the participants were 43.22%. Conclusion: The current study findings of low level of triage knowledge among nurses reflect that there is a lack of proper training and edifying programs in Pakistan. Nursing curriculum for different nursing programs has not sufficient content of triage to prepare nurses for triage system in emergency units.