Application of Triage Protocol to Improve Quality of Care in Emergency Unit at Maternity Hospital

Abstract

Background: the obstetric triage system is more specialized than general and trauma triage, as it involves assessing labor condition, fetal well-being, preparing tests and interventions for obstetric problems. aim of this study was to apply the triage protocol to improve quality of care in emergency unit at Maternity Hospital. The study design: A quasi-experimental study design was used. Setting: The study was conducted in the Emergency unit at the Maternity Hospital Ain Shams University. Study Sample: It was a convenience sample of (70) health care providers (nurses, physicians, paramedics) working in the Emergency Unit at Maternity Hospital. Data collected for a period of eight months from April to November 2018. Four tools were used for data collection: Tool I: A structured interviewing questionnaire to assess health care providers' knowledge among triage protocol application. Tool II: Adapted Obstetrical Triage Acuity Scale (AOTAS) adopted from Smithson et al. (2013). Tool III: An observational checklist Designed and prepared by the researcher to assess Health care providers 'performances in Emergency unit. Tool IV: A structured interviewing questionnaire to assess Patients' satisfaction which reflect the influence of triage protocol application in the emergency unit of patients' Satisfaction Scale: It will be adapted from Elliott scale (2017). The Results: this study reveals that there was lack of a single standardized tool for triage system in emergency unit at the maternity hospital. Lack of health care providers' knowledge and performances related to triage protocol, incomplete nursing role at emergency unit. Conclusion: Triage protocol application after educational and training sessions had positive, efficient in improving health care providers' knowledge and performances. Recommendation: Application standardized triage acuity scale to improve quality of care, improve outcomes with increase patient satisfaction. improving staff competency through continuous educational protocol. Development of clinical protocols in accordance with the rules and regulations.