Effects on Triage Competency Based on Nursing Task Performance and Self-Efficacy of Nurses in Regional Emergency Medical Institutions

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between triage competency, nursing task performance, and self-efficacy among nurses working at local emergency departments, and to identify factors that affect triage competency. Methods: Participants in this descriptive study were 111 nurses working at 20 local emergency departments. Data were collected from August 1 to August 31, 2019, and then analyzed in terms of Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression by using the SPSS/WIN 21.0 program. Results: Triage competency was positively correlated with nursing task performance, and self-efficacy was positively correlated with nursing task performance. There were significant predictors of nursing task performance (p=.41, p< .001) and self-efficacy (p=.35, p< .001), thus explaining the 60.4% variance in triage competency. Conclusion: Nursing task performance was identified as the most significant factor affecting the triage competency of nurses working in emergency departments. Going forward, it is recommended to conduct a follow-up study to confirm the impact of developing a program for increasing triage competency by expanding subjects and scope in terms of regions.