Implementation of advanced triage in the Emergency Department of high complexity public hospital: Research protocol

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of advanced nurse triage based on the quality of care outcomes of patients attending the Emergency Department of a high-complexity hospital. To analyse the concept of advanced triage and the essential elements of the construct. Design: Mixed longitudinal study, divided into 4 steps; which will include an initial qualitative step, two observational studies and finally, a quasi-experimental study. Clinical trial registration number: NCT05230108. Methods: Step 1 will consist of a concept analysis. Step 2 will include a mapping of advanced practice protocol terminologies. Step 3 will analyse the opinion of health professionals on advanced triage. In step 4: in the retrospective phase (n = 1095), sociodemographic and clinical variables and quality indicators such as waiting time will be analysed. After that, in the prospective phase (n = 547), advanced triage will be implemented and the two cohorts will be compared. The whole study will be carried out from January 2022 to January 2024. Discussion: Patients classified as low complexity at triage are more vulnerable to emergency department overcrowding. The implementation of advanced triage would make it possible to respond to patient needs by offering equitable and quality healthcare, facilitating accessibility, safety and humanization of the emergency department.