TY - JOUR
T1 - Impact of triage nurses' recognition of acute coronary syndrome on patients' clinical outcomes
T2 - A retrospective study
AU - Alsharawneh, Anas
AU - Sawalha, Murad
AU - Tabar, Nazih Abu
AU - Elshatarat, Rami A.
AU - Almarwani, Abdulaziz Mofdy
AU - Saleh, Zyad T.
AU - Almagharbeh, Wesam T.
AU - Al-Akash, Hekmat Y.
AU - Mohamed, Nermen A.
AU - Eltayeb, Mudathir M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024
PY - 2024/11/1
Y1 - 2024/11/1
N2 - Background: Triage nurses' pivotal role in initial assessment makes their competence crucial. However, the specific impact on Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) recognition and outcomes remains unclear in Jordanian healthcare. Understanding this relationship could enhance ACS management and patient outcomes in Jordanian Emergency Departments (EDs). Objective: To assess how triage nurses' recognition of ACS diagnosis affects patient outcomes in Jordan. Methods: This retrospective study examined records of 150 ACS patients admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU). Data extraction assessed triage nurses' accuracy in recognizing ACS symptoms and the timelines for diagnosis procedures (e.g., electrocardiogram [ECG]) and treatment provision (e.g., thrombolytic) based on triage decisions. It also evaluated the impact on treatment outcomes, including length of stay in the ED and hospital. Multiple linear regression analyses quantified the influence of under-triage on treatment outcomes. Results: The sample comprised 150 patients. Most were female (78.7%), aged 45-59.9 years (37.3%). ACS classifications: unstable angina (52.0%), STEMI (38.0%), NSTEMI (10.0%). The study included a cohort of ACS patients, with findings indicating varying degrees of under-triage by triage nurses. Analysis of timelines revealed significant delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation for patients subjected to under-triage. Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated a robust association between under-triage and prolonged time to essential treatment outcomes, including delays in physician assessment, ECG performance, thrombolytic administration, and extended ED length of stay. Conclusion: Triage nurses' knowledge and competency are crucial determinants of accurate ACS recognition and subsequent clinical outcomes for patients presenting to the ED in Jordan. Investing in ongoing education and training programs for triage nurses may lead to improved ACS recognition rates and better patient outcomes in Jordanian healthcare settings.
AB - Background: Triage nurses' pivotal role in initial assessment makes their competence crucial. However, the specific impact on Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) recognition and outcomes remains unclear in Jordanian healthcare. Understanding this relationship could enhance ACS management and patient outcomes in Jordanian Emergency Departments (EDs). Objective: To assess how triage nurses' recognition of ACS diagnosis affects patient outcomes in Jordan. Methods: This retrospective study examined records of 150 ACS patients admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU). Data extraction assessed triage nurses' accuracy in recognizing ACS symptoms and the timelines for diagnosis procedures (e.g., electrocardiogram [ECG]) and treatment provision (e.g., thrombolytic) based on triage decisions. It also evaluated the impact on treatment outcomes, including length of stay in the ED and hospital. Multiple linear regression analyses quantified the influence of under-triage on treatment outcomes. Results: The sample comprised 150 patients. Most were female (78.7%), aged 45-59.9 years (37.3%). ACS classifications: unstable angina (52.0%), STEMI (38.0%), NSTEMI (10.0%). The study included a cohort of ACS patients, with findings indicating varying degrees of under-triage by triage nurses. Analysis of timelines revealed significant delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation for patients subjected to under-triage. Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated a robust association between under-triage and prolonged time to essential treatment outcomes, including delays in physician assessment, ECG performance, thrombolytic administration, and extended ED length of stay. Conclusion: Triage nurses' knowledge and competency are crucial determinants of accurate ACS recognition and subsequent clinical outcomes for patients presenting to the ED in Jordan. Investing in ongoing education and training programs for triage nurses may lead to improved ACS recognition rates and better patient outcomes in Jordanian healthcare settings.
KW - Acute coronary syndrome
KW - Emergency triage
KW - Jordan
KW - Myocardial infarction
KW - Retrospective study
KW - Triage nurses
KW - Unstable angina
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85196742980&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.06.010
DO - 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2024.06.010
M3 - Article
C2 - 38924857
AN - SCOPUS:85196742980
SN - 0147-9563
VL - 68
SP - 60
EP - 67
JO - Heart and Lung
JF - Heart and Lung
ER -
