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The benefits of triage are widespread and
agreed upon in the literature reviewed.
The most important and obvious benefit is
the early assessment of the patient thus reducing any harmful delays. (11,10,4).
This improves the standard of care given to the patient (1)
Used in conjunction with the ENP it reduces waiting times for non‑urgent
patients. (3)
Investigations maybe commenced prior to seeing a doctor (11,4)
Requests may be made for old notes, X rays,
results (9,10,11) creating a more efficient service and reducing waiting time
as all information is available together. Inappropriate attenders may be redirected,
e.g. to GP, chiropodist, thus reducing waiting times for other patients (1).
Early assessment of the patient allows a rapport to be established
between the patient and the nurse, reassuring the patient that he will be seen
and not feel forgotten (10,9,7).
The triage nurse has the opportunity of seeing
the interaction between family and patient. Having already met the family the
triage nurse is then in a better position to communicate the patient's condition
to them, while they are separated in the A/E department. (7)
Infection control may be initiated at the
earliest possible time, thus eliminating the problem of an infectious patient
sitting in the waiting room for hours (10,11,4). First aid is given thus making
the patient more comfortable (10,9,11,7).
Accurate information re:waiting times is given
to the patient (9).
The triage nurse has the opportunity to offer
appropriate advice to the patient and to promote and distribute health education
literature (1,10, 9,11, 7, 6, 4).
Reassessment of the patients in the waiting
room creates a safe environment as a patient's priority needs may change at
any time. (10,11,7).
There is improved public relations and increased
patient satisfaction as they are assessed and appropriate treatment given soon
after arrival. They do not feel forgotten, as they have regular contact with
a nurse. (10,9,11,4).
As a result of this there is a reduction in
verbal and written complaints. (1,15).
Therefore an increase in job satisfaction
for the A/E nurses (15).
In case triage seems too good to be true the
problems encountered are in the next section.