Abstract
Aim/Objective: to measure the number and types of interruptions to triage events performed by a "triage and coordinator nurse", in a rural New Zealand (NZ) Emergency Department (ED).
Background: In ED frequent workflow interruptions are a major challenge for nurses. Interruptions can lead to errors in patient assessment and incomplete tasks. Triage is the prioritisation of ED patients based on their acuity and need for time critical treatment. Triage accuracy is paramount to ensure appropriate use of resources and delivery of time critical care to the most unwell patients, reducing mortality and morbidity. As such, interruptions to triage pose a threat to patient safety and should be measured to inform risk mitigation.
Method: A descriptive quantitative pilot study to measure the number and types of interruptions to triage events was performed, during peak ED hours (12:30-21:00) over a four-day period in a rural ED.
Results/Findings: 71 triage events were captured, of which 27% were interrupted. Friday, Saturday and Sunday saw significantly more interruptions than Monday. The reason for phone call interruptions were not further defined which hindered a true understanding of the causes for interruption in 25% of cases.