ASSESSMENT OF THE PERFOMANCE OF THE PEDIATRIC TRIAGE SYSTEM OF ST PAUL’S HOSPITAL MILLENNIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE AS PER THE NATIONAL ETAT GUIDLINE

Abstract

Abstract Background In the emergency department, it is important to identify and prioritize who requires an urgent intervention in a short period of time. Triage helps recognize the urgency among patients. An accurate triage decision helps patients receive the emergency service in the most appropriate time and triage errors creates opportunity for increased morbidity and mortality. Objective The objective of this study is to assess the performance of pediatric emergency triage system and associated factors with under-triaging and over-triaging in SPHMMC as per the national ETAT guideline from July 15 to September 15, 2021. Methods A cross sectional study design was performed in children visited pediatric emergency in SPHMMC. Data was collected by chart review of all children who visited the ER and underwent triage during the study period and questionnaires including case scenarios were evaluated. Triage documentation based on ETAT (Emergency triage, assessment and treatment) and questionnaires containing case scenarios were reviewed and coded. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Result From the total of 384 cases, only 166 (43.2%) cases were correctly categorized according to the ETAT+ Ethiopia guideline. 38% of the cases were under triaged. 27.3% were labeled as urgent while the sick child has emergency signs. The study also revealed 18.5% rate of over triaging. During the study time frame, there were essential medicines and laboratory test in only 26.6% and 21.6% of the cases respectively for their immediate use. Essential emergency equipment were available at the time of triaging a sick child in 87.8% of the cases Conclusion :This study indicated that the overall performance of pediatric emergency triage system is poor.