Effect of Pediatric Triage Education on Nurses' knowledge and Attitude at Emergency Department

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Nursing specialist, Tanta University hospitals, Tanta University, Egypt

2 Prof. of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

3 Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Triage can be defined as sorting incoming patients at the emergency department 
based on their urgency rather than attendance. Unprofessional triage can have negative 
consequences, particularly for children. The study was aimed to determine the effect of 
pediatric triage education on nurses’ knowledge and attitude at emergency department. Design: 
A quasi-experimental research design was used. Subject: A purposive sampling of 50 nurses 
participated in the study Setting: the study was carried out at emergency departments of El 
Mabara Hospital of Tanta and El Mahala ElKobra which are affiliated to health insurance. 
Two tools were utilized Tool I: knowledge structured interview schedule: to evaluate nurses’ 
knowledge about pediatric triage and Australian triage scale descriptors for categories. Tool II:
Nurses’ attitude measuring scale. Results: The nurses' level of knowledge and attitude toward 
triage was improved post triage education as compared to pre triage education. Conclusion: it 
is proved that triage education enhanced nurses' knowledge and attitude toward triage. 
Recommendations: Emergency nurses ought to be provided with regular in-service training 
program on the Australian triage scale, which includes both theoretical and practical 
components.