The reliability and validity of triage tools in geriatric emergency departments: A scoping review.
International Emergency Nursing · 2024-09-16 · Scoping review
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The nurse's ability to accurately identify urgent conditions and triage this vulnerable population tends to be complex and challenging. Little is known about the reliability and validity of common triage tools in geriatric patients. AIM: To determine the reliability and validity of triage tools in geriatric emergency care and summarize the specific content of current triage tools for geriatric patients. METHODS: The eligible literature was searched from the MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database using targeted search strategies. We defined the objectives and questions, set standards for article inclusion criteria, and conducted literature searching and screening. The mixed methods assessment tool (MMAT) appraised the article's quality. Finally, we extracted and analyzed the data from the included articles, summarizing the results. Endnote X9 was used for data extraction and collation. RESULTS: Nine articles were eligible. These included six triage tools: CTAS, JTAS, KTAS, MTS, SETS, and ESI. The reliability of the CTAS was good when applied to triage geriatric patients. The SETS performed well in prehospital simulated triage. The ESI has moderate to excellent reliability. The CTAS has good to excellent validity, while the JTAS, KTAS, MTS, and ESI have fair to good results. CONCLUSION: Several triage tools are useful in geriatrics, but the reliability and validity of these tools have mixed results. Applying triage tools to triage geriatric patients still has limitations.
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Tags
Older adults · Triage instruments
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