Evaluation of a 5-Point Triage System for Veterinary Emergency Patients in 164 Cats and Dogs: VetTriS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the applicability, reliability, and prioritization effectiveness of a 5-point Veterinary Triage System (VetTriS) in a busy primary and secondary emergency department. Additionally, it was determined whether target waiting times could be met. Triage assessments performed by veterinary technicians and veterinary students were retrospectively assessed by the authors. Design: Prospective observational study with retrospective analysis of data on applicability, reliability, and prioritization. Setting: Primary and secondary emergency department. Animals: One hundred sixty-four cats and dogs presented at a primary and secondary emergency service. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Data from 164 dogs and cats admitted to a primary and secondary emergency department during the weekends of April to July of 2024 were analyzed. Triage performed using VetTriS by veterinary technicians and veterinary students demonstrated substantial interobserver agreement, with a kappa of 0.69. Overtriage occurred in 9.8% of patients and undertriage in 0.6%. The assigned target waiting time was met in 85.4%. VetTriS was unable to properly assess for prioritization within this study design and did not allow for good assessment of hydration status. Conclusions: VetTriS is a reliable tool for use in veterinary emergency departments to triage patients and has substantial interobserver agreement. Although performing triage is difficult in a busy emergency center, the results of this study are promising. Further adjustments to VetTriS are needed, and future studies are needed to test for applicability and prioritization.