Care protocols with risk classification in pediatrics: Inter-observer reliability

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the inter-observer reliability of the second edition of the Care protocols with risk classification in pediatrics, in the clinical practice of urgent/emergency care. Method: Methodological study, developed through assessment of the inter-observer reliability of two Trained Inter-observers Triage Nurses (TITN) and two Untrained ITNs (UITN) with the researcher, with a total of 400 classifications. Data was analyzed using the Kappa Coefficient, with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Results: A total of 80.0% of patients were classified as standard(green-50.7%) and non-urgent (blue-29.3%); substantial and "almost perfect" agreement between the nurses and the researcher (Kappa between 0.62 and 1.0) was found. "Almost perfect" agreement was found between TITN-2 and the researcher (Kappa 1.0), UITN-2 and the researcher (Kappa 0.877) and TITN-1 and the researcher (Kappa 0.725). Substantial agreement was found between UITN-1 and the researcher (Kappa 0.619). Conclusion: Care protocols with risk classification in pediatrics is a reliable technology to guide nurses in the triage of patients in pediatric emergency/urgent care situations.