Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2024 Feb 8;16(2):e53864.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.53864. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Assessing the Awareness and Understanding of Hospital Triage Among the General Population of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Amjad A AlNaim  1 , Noura A AlNaim  1 , Ayah F Albash  1 , Maryam A Almulhim  1 , Latifah A Albash  1 , Nasser Almulhim  2
Affiliations

Assessing the Awareness and Understanding of Hospital Triage Among the General Population of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Amjad A AlNaim et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Hospital triage is a critical process in emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. The efficiency of the triage process significantly impacts the overall functioning of the ED and patient outcomes. However, the effectiveness of triage is not solely dependent on the healthcare professionals conducting it. The awareness and understanding of the triage process among the general population also play a crucial role. Methods This study aimed to assess the awareness and understanding of hospital triage among the general population of Al-Ahsa. A cross-sectional design was conducted in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from July to September 2023. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Results This study examined the awareness, understanding, attitude, and socio-demographic factors of hospital triage among 389 participants in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Results showed that 59.4% (n=231) of participants were aware of emergency triage, with 91.8% (n=457) agreeing with patient classification based on deterioration. Expectations for waiting time varied, with 38.8% (n=151) expecting 5-10 minutes. Participants expressed positive attitudes, with 91% (n=354) believing triage improves patient care. Socio-demographic analysis revealed higher awareness among younger age groups, males, and highly educated individuals. Educational level was associated with participants' attitudes. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted awareness campaigns and improved waiting room amenities for effective hospital triage. Conclusion The study found that public awareness of emergency triage is average, with high satisfaction with the concept of patient classification based on deterioration. Periodic health education sessions regarding the importance of ER triage are recommended for healthcare visitors and staff.

Keywords: awareness; emergency department; emergency medicine; saudi arabia; triage.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Public attitude and satisfaction towards hospital triage concept in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Training in pre-hospital emergency: needs and truths. Haghani F, Sadeghi N. http://ijme.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1636-en.html Iran J Med Educ. 2011;10:1273–1280.
    1. Davaty A. Proceeding of the 3th International Congress of Cure and Health and Crisis Management in Disaster. 2007. The survey of student's knowledge about triage.
    1. Effect of triage education on knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses in Poursina educational and therapeutic emergency center in Rasht. Haghdoost Z, Safari M, Yahyavi H. J Holist Nurs Midwifery. 2010;20:14–21.
    1. Accuracy of emergency severity index of triage in Imam Hossein hospital. Kariman H, Joorabian J, Shahrami A, et al. http://goums.ac.ir/journal/article-1-1696-en.html J Gorgan Univ Med Sci. 2011;15:115–120.
    1. Studying of BUMS’ students’ knowledge about hospital triage in 2011. Hedayati H, Mogharrab M, Moasheri N, Sharifzadeh GR. https://www.sid.ir/fileserver/jf/3002113913510 Mod Care J. 2012;9:237–244.

LinkOut - more resources