Triage assessment in pediatric emergency departments: a national survey

Pediatric Emergency Care
Tonya ThompsonJames Graham

Abstract

Because of the varying physiological and developmental stages in children, the taking of vital signs and other assessments at triage in an emergency department (ED) can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to examine current triage practices in pediatric EDs in the United States. A mailed survey was sent in August 2006 to the medical directors of the 99 pediatric EDs listed on the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions Web site, with follow-up mailing in October 2006 and subsequent phone contact. Eighty-eight surveys were returned (90% response rate). When asked what assessments are done on all patients at triage, all EDs (100%) obtain pulse rate and respiratory rate, 92% measure temperature, 60% measure blood pressure, 41% measure pulse oximetry, and 13% assess Glasgow Coma Scale. The methods used to measure temperature were widely variable. Multiple methods are used to assess pain: for those aged 0 to 2 years, 44% use a Wong FACES Scale and 48% use a behavioral scale; at 2 to 4 years, most (80%) use the Wong FACES Scale, but in older 10- to 18-year-old patients, most (81%) use a numerical scale. The use of standing orders at triage is variable. Despite the important decisions made based...Continue Reading

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Citations

Apr 6, 2019·Archives of Disease in Childhood·Nienke N HagedoornHenriette A Moll
Nov 24, 2011·Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition·Stephen B FreedmanJennifer D Thull-Freedman
Dec 4, 2012·Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health·Kate BradmanElaine Pascoe
Jan 1, 2011·World Journal of Emergency Medicine·Lei WangJing-Fang Zhu

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