Experience of implementing a computerised triage system in emergency departments
Abstract
Triage is a system used in emergency departments to prioritize patients based on the urgency of their need for care. Implementing triage systems has a significant impact on patient care prioritization and service management, as it enhances patient flow and reduces waiting times for critically ill individuals. While several international scales exist for prioritizing care, triage is often conducted in a non-standardized manner based on the discretion of the receiving staff. In this paper, we present the development and implementation process of an on-call triage system, integrated into the electronic information system of a private institution in Argentina. This proprietary system, known as TTS (Trinidad Triage System), is the outcome of collaborative efforts from a multidisciplinary team comprising medical, nursing, and computer experts from various centers. Having our own development has enabled us to customize the reasons for consultation and severity criteria to align with the patient profile at our center, standardize the triage process, and obtain transparent information for improving management."
