Triage på akutmottagning : Sjuksköterskors upplevelser av nuvarande triagemodell

To sort, is the meaning of the word “triage”. Triage is used at emergency departments to facilitate prioritization of patients according to the urgency of the chief complaint. The aim of this study was to investigate how the nurses experience the triage model at the emergency department at Uppsala university hospital. Twelve nurses were interviewed. The mean age was 40 years and the mean work experience was three years and four months. An interview guide was used, consisting of questions about triage, collaboration and work situation. The nurses perceived that triage supports assessment and prioritization of patients. Different triage models were used depending on the nurses’ level of triage-education, which was perceived as problematic. The nurses perceived safety when triage was performed together with the physician. The level of collaboration, between the nurses and the physicians, was experienced to be person-dependent. The importance of good communication between nurses and physicians were highlighted. Triage supports the assessment and prioritization of patients. A standardized triage model would increase the quality of care. The collaboration between nurses and physicians could be improved if they receive the same information and education about triage. Improved communication will facilitate the collaboration. Physicians should participate in the triage process