An Evaluation of Electronic Triage Systems in Improving Emergency Response Times at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi
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Background of the Study (400 words)
In emergency healthcare settings, triage is the process of sorting patients based on the severity of their conditions, ensuring that the most critically ill receive immediate attention. Traditional paper-based triage systems have been a standard method of sorting patients in emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. However, these systems are often prone to human error, delays, and inconsistencies, which can significantly affect patient outcomes. Electronic triage systems (ETS), which leverage technology to streamline and automate the triage process, have the potential to address these issues and improve response times in emergency care.
Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Birnin Kebbi is one of the key healthcare institutions in Nigeria’s north-western region, providing emergency care services to both urban and rural populations. The hospital faces significant challenges in its emergency department, including limited resources, overcrowding, and delays in patient assessment. As a result, response times can be delayed, which adversely impacts the care patients receive. The introduction of an electronic triage system could enhance the efficiency of the triage process by reducing human error, minimizing delays, and ensuring that patients are prioritized according to their medical needs.
Electronic triage systems are designed to capture patients’ vital signs, medical history, and other relevant information digitally. They often include algorithms that can classify patients based on the severity of their conditions, providing real-time data to assist nurses and doctors in making decisions faster. Research has demonstrated that these systems improve triage accuracy and reduce the time spent on manual paperwork, ultimately leading to faster response times and better patient outcomes in emergency departments. However, there is limited evidence of how effectively electronic triage systems work in resource-limited settings such as Nigeria.
This study aims to evaluate the impact of electronic triage systems at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, assessing their role in improving response times and overall patient care in the emergency department.
Statement of the Problem (300 words)
Emergency response times are critical in determining patient outcomes in situations where immediate medical attention is necessary, such as in cases of trauma, stroke, or cardiac arrest. Traditional triage systems are often slow and prone to errors due to reliance on manual processes. This results in delays in treating patients, which can worsen the prognosis for critical cases. Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, like many other hospitals in Nigeria, faces challenges in managing high patient volumes with limited resources, leading to prolonged wait times for patients in the emergency department.
The introduction of electronic triage systems promises to streamline the triage process, potentially reducing response times and improving patient care. However, there is insufficient data regarding the effectiveness of these systems in Nigerian healthcare settings, particularly in terms of reducing wait times and ensuring timely intervention for patients with life-threatening conditions. Despite the growing interest in digital healthcare solutions, challenges related to technology adoption, infrastructure, training, and maintenance may hinder the successful integration of electronic triage systems.
This study seeks to explore the impact of implementing an electronic triage system at FMC Birnin Kebbi, with the aim of determining whether it improves response times, reduces waiting times, and enhances the overall quality of emergency care provided to patients.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the effectiveness of electronic triage systems in reducing emergency response times at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi.
2. To assess the impact of electronic triage systems on the quality of emergency care provided at FMC Birnin Kebbi.
3. To identify the challenges associated with implementing and using electronic triage systems in the emergency department at FMC Birnin Kebbi.
Research Questions
1. How effective are electronic triage systems in reducing emergency response times at Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi?
2. What is the impact of electronic triage systems on the quality of emergency care at FMC Birnin Kebbi?
3. What challenges do healthcare providers face in implementing and using electronic triage systems at FMC Birnin Kebbi?
Research Hypotheses
1. H₀: Electronic triage systems do not significantly reduce emergency response times at FMC Birnin Kebbi.
2. H₀: Electronic triage systems do not significantly improve the quality of emergency care at FMC Birnin Kebbi.
3. H₀: The challenges associated with implementing electronic triage systems do not significantly affect their effectiveness at FMC Birnin Kebbi.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the use of electronic triage systems in the emergency department of Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi. Limitations may include resistance to new technology from staff, inadequate infrastructure, and the difficulty in tracking patient outcomes due to data inconsistencies.
Definitions of Terms
• Electronic Triage System (ETS): A digital system that automates the process of sorting patients based on the severity of their conditions in an emergency department.
• Emergency Response Time: The time taken from the patient’s arrival at the hospital to the provision of initial medical care.
• Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi: A tertiary healthcare facility in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, providing emergency care and other medical services.
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