Background of the Study
Triage is a critical process in emergency care that prioritizes patients based on the severity of their conditions to ensure timely and appropriate medical intervention. Triage nurses play a vital role in this process by assessing patients, making quick clinical decisions, and directing them to the appropriate level of care (World Health Organization [WHO], 2024). Effective triage improves patient outcomes by reducing wait times, preventing complications, and ensuring that critically ill patients receive immediate attention (Johnson et al., 2023).
Federal Medical Centre, Yola, serves as a major referral center for emergency cases, where triage nurses act as the first point of contact for incoming patients. However, challenges such as high patient volume, limited resources, and inadequate training can hinder the efficiency of triage, potentially leading to delayed treatment and adverse patient outcomes (Adebayo & Musa, 2023). Studies have shown that hospitals with well-trained triage nurses experience lower mortality rates and improved overall emergency care efficiency (Ogunleye & Bello, 2024).
Despite the recognized importance of triage nurses, there is limited research assessing their role in improving patient outcomes in Nigerian emergency units. Understanding the effectiveness of triage nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Yola, is essential for identifying gaps in practice and making recommendations for enhancing emergency care services.
Statement of the Problem
Emergency departments (EDs) in Nigeria face significant challenges, including overcrowding, limited staffing, and delays in patient care. Poor triage systems contribute to these challenges, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality rates among emergency patients (Okeke & Yusuf, 2023). Triage nurses are expected to streamline patient flow and ensure that critically ill patients receive immediate care. However, inadequate triage training, excessive workload, and resource constraints may limit their effectiveness (Ibrahim & Adekunle, 2024).
At Federal Medical Centre, Yola, there is a need to evaluate whether triage nurses significantly improve patient outcomes. Studies in other regions have shown that efficient triage reduces emergency department congestion, shortens wait times, and enhances patient recovery rates (WHO, 2023). However, the extent to which triage nurses contribute to patient outcomes in this facility remains unclear. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of triage nurses in improving emergency patient outcomes and identify factors that may enhance or hinder their performance.
Objectives of the Study
1. To evaluate the effectiveness of triage nurses in improving patient outcomes in the emergency unit of Federal Medical Centre, Yola.
2. To identify challenges faced by triage nurses in performing their roles effectively.
3. To assess the impact of triage training and staffing levels on emergency patient care.
Research Questions
1. How effective are triage nurses in improving patient outcomes in the emergency unit at Federal Medical Centre, Yola?
2. What challenges do triage nurses face in executing their roles?
3. What is the impact of triage training and staffing levels on emergency patient care?
Research Hypotheses
1. Triage nurses significantly improve patient outcomes in the emergency unit.
2. Triage nurses face significant challenges that affect their efficiency in patient care.
3. Increased triage training and adequate staffing positively impact emergency patient outcomes.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on triage nurses at Federal Medical Centre, Yola, and their impact on patient outcomes in the emergency unit. It does not examine other hospital departments or healthcare professionals. Limitations may include the availability of patient outcome data and potential bias in self-reported assessments by nurses.
Definitions of Terms
• Triage: The process of assessing and prioritizing patients based on the severity of their conditions.
• Patient Outcomes: The health status of a patient following medical treatment, including recovery rate and survival.
• Emergency Unit: A hospital department that provides immediate medical care to critically ill or injured patients.
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