Application of Triage Protocol to Improve Quality of Care in Emergency Unit at Maternity Hospital

Abstract

The aim of this study was to apply the triage protocol to improve quality of care in emergency unit at the maternity hospital. The study design: A quasi-experimental study design was used. Setting: The study was conducted in the Emergency unit at the Maternity Hospital of Ain Shams University. Study Sample: two sample, 1) A convenience sample of (70) health care providers (nurses, physicians, paramedics). 2) Patients available (200) at the time of the study in emergency unit with different obstetrics and gynecological complain were recluided for a period of nine months from April to December 2018. Four tools were used for data collection. Tool I) a structured interview questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and response of health care providers about triage protocol. Tool II): Adapted Obstetrical triage acuity scale (AOTAS). Tool (III): An observational checklist to assess practice performances (recording and procedures) of healthcare providers "in Emergency unit. Tool (IV): adopted patient satisfaction Scale to assess patient satisfaction. The Result: this study reveals that there is a lack of standardized triage protocol in emergency unit at the maternity hospital. Lack of health care providers" knowledge, practice and response related to triage protocol. Conclusion: Triage protocol application improving health care providers" performance and quality of care. Educational protocol, improving knowledge, performance and response toward triage protocol, which reflected positively on patient satisfaction. Recommendation: Applying standardized triage protocol in a maternity hospital. Including triage acuity scale in the filling system.