| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: In effective trauma and medical emergency care, there is a need for rapid assessment, stabilization and treatment of the injured patient to reduce the morbidity and mortality that might come. One approach to managing patient flow is the application of triage in an emergency care setting. An efficient triage system aims to support medical personnel in the identification of life-threatening conditions, performing timely assessments and prioritization according to the severity of the patient’s medical condition. This study aimed to identify triage knowledge, practices and associated factors among nurses in Uganda.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 nurses at Mulago hospital accidents and emergency units using a self-administered questionnaire whose validity and reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.88). Ethical approval was sought from Makerere University School of health Sciences Research and Ethics Committee and administrative clearance was obtained from Mulago National Referral hospital. A written informed consent was obtained from participants and participation was voluntary. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 16 for both univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical tests.
Results: The average knowledge score of the respondents was 59.4% (SD=10.9%, Range=25.8- 87.10%). The level of knowledge about patient triaging among the majority of nurses was moderate 28 (56.0%). Less than half 24 (48.0%) were found practicing effective triage practices. Participants who had a bachelor's or masters of science were more likely to practice effective triage than those that had a certificate (aOR=2.217, P-Value=0.228). Participants who were married were less likely to practice effective triage than those that were married (aOR=0.379, P-Value =0.136). No variable was found to be significantly associated with effective triaging practices. Lack of triaging protocols 30 (60.0%), fatigue and burnout 40 (80.0%), heavy workload 45 (90.0%) and Poor staffing 40 (80.0%) were reported as the major challenges to effective triaging practices.
Conclusions: The knowledge and practice of effective triage among nurses at Mulago National Referral Hospital was poor and this was affected by the qualifications and marital status of the triage nurse. The study advises low level nurses to take short course trainings in order to improve their triage knowledge and skills. The ministry of health is recommended to improve staffing levels at emergency departments to reduce heavy workloads, burnouts and fatigue among nurses. | en_US |
