Rapid, Accurate Triage in ED Crucial for Patient Outcomes
The May 2025 issue of the Journal of Emergency Nursing features a heavy emphasis on one of the most pivotal parts of every emergency department visit: patient triage.
“Triage is an extremely important skill for ED nurses and can have an integral effect on patient outcomes,” said Journal of Emergency Nursing Editor-in-Chief Anna Valdez, PhD, RN, PHN, CEN, CFRN, CNE, FAEN, FAADN. “The articles focused on triage this month can help both nurses and hospitals improve their triage speed, accuracy and protocols.”
Articles in the May issue include:
- “Determining Emergency Severity Index Acuity: Key Triage Elements Identified by Emergency Nurses,” completed by ENA researchers, determined elements or questions that belong in provision of care versus triage based on patient risk and potential for decompensation. Their research showed that it is critical to allow triage nurses to focus on the assessment of risk to avoid delays in care for those waiting to be triaged.
- “Impact of the Advanced Practice Nurse in Triage of Primary Care Emergency Departments,” found that by having advanced practice nurses triaging in primary care EDs, the total time in the consultation area for low-complexity problems has been reduced, although the triage time increased.
- “The Impact of Emergency Triage Practices on Patient Safety: A Scoping Review Protocol.” Due to the fast-paced nature of an ED, triage is prone to error and the quality assurance measures may be insufficient. These findings encourage nurses to adopt a patient-safety lens when triaging; support improved protocols, policies and procedures; and the enhancement of triage training programs.
Journal readers can earn continuing education credits for reading articles in each issue. Visit jenonline.org and click the “Claim CNE” link to access the exam.
The Journal of Emergency Nursing, ENA’s peer-reviewed academic journal, is published six times a year with original research and updates from the emergency nursing specialty, while also covering practice and professional issues.
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The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With nearly 45,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.