Public Awareness of Triage Systems and Waiting Times During Emergency Department Visits in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: The effective functioning of emergency departments (EDs) is essential for providing timely and appropriate medical care to patients with acute health issues. Triage, a critical aspect of ED operations, involves prioritizing patients based on the severity of their conditions. However, patients' understanding of the triage system plays a significant role in ensuring its efficient utilization. This study aims to examine the community's understanding of the triage system and the influencing factors.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study included 775 participants from the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia, all of whom had prior visits to the ED during their lifetime. The data was randomly collected between June and July 2023 through a self-administered online questionnaire.

Results: The results showed that a substantial number of participants (73.8%) were aware of why some patients are prioritized over others in terms of room allocation, while 26.2% lacked this awareness. Among those aware, the majority (80.5%) believed that the priority system is fair, while 19.5% disagreed. Roughly two-thirds (64.8%) of the participants understood the concept of triage, while 35.2% lacked knowledge in this regard. The history of ED visits, age, and highest level of education were significantly associated with knowledge (p < 0.001). Participants who had a history of ED visits, were aged 20-29 years, and had a bachelor's degree had the highest percentage of adequate knowledge. The study also found that the most common reasons for non-urgent visits to the ED were the unavailability of appointments elsewhere (35%) and the perception that the ED provides faster care (30.4%).

Conclusion: The study's assessment of triage knowledge reveals a moderate understanding among participants, with a majority demonstrating awareness of the prioritization system. The associations identified between demographic factors and triage knowledge highlight the importance of tailoring educational initiatives to specific groups. Individuals who visited the ED frequently and those who sought prior care exhibited better triage knowledge, suggesting potential opportunities for targeted interventions.

Keywords: ed utilization; emergency department; triage knowledge; triage system; waiting times.

Figure 1. Distribution of knowledge scores with levels of education

Figure 2. Causes of going to emergency directly without going to a health center

ED: emergency department

Figure 3. Reasons for selecting a specific emergency department

ED: emergency department