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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Triage | Research

Applying Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) to improve patient flow in emergency departments: a multicentre randomised, implementation study

Authors: Saartje Berendsen Russell, Radhika V Seimon, Emma Dixon, Margaret Murphy, Matthew Vukasovic, Nicole Bohlken, Sharon Taylor, Zoe Cooper, Jennifer Scruton, Nitin Jain, Michael M Dinh

Published in: BMC Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

To determine the effectiveness of applying the Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) in conjunction with senior early assessment in different Emergency Departments (EDs).

Methods

This multicentre implementation study, conducted in two metropolitan EDs, used a convenience sample of ED patients. Patients who were admitted, after presenting to both EDs, and were assessed using the existing senior ED clinician assessment, were included in the study. Patients in the intervention group were assessed with the assistance of START, while patients in the control group were assessed without the assistance of START. Outcomes measured were ED length of stay and proportion of patients correctly identified as an in-patient admission by START.

Results

A total of 773 patients were evaluated using the START tool at triage across both sites (Intervention group n = 355 and control group n = 418 patients). The proportion of patients meeting the 4-hour length of stay thresholds was similar between the intervention and control groups (30.1% vs. 28.2%; p = 0.62). The intervention group was associated with a reduced ED length of stay when compared to the control group (351 min, interquartile range (IQR) 221.0–565.0 min versus 383 min, IQR 229.25–580.0 min; p = 0.85). When stratified into admitted and discharged patients, similar results were seen.

Conclusion

In this extension of the START model of care implementation study in two metropolitan EDs, START, when used in conjunction with senior early assessment was associated with some reduced ED length of stay.

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Title: Applying Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) to improve patient flow in emergency departments: a multicentre randomised, implementation study
Authors: Saartje Berendsen Russell
Radhika V Seimon
Emma Dixon
Margaret Murphy
Matthew Vukasovic
Nicole Bohlken
Sharon Taylor
Zoe Cooper
Jennifer Scruton
Nitin Jain
Michael M Dinh
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Triage
Published in: BMC Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-227X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-024-00956-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Applying Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) to improve patient flow in emergency departments: a multicentre randomised, implementation study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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