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Emerg Med J 2006;23:262-265 doi:10.1136/emj.2005.025254
  • Original Article

Triage rapid initial assessment by doctor (TRIAD) improves waiting time and processing time of the emergency department

  1. Y F Choi,
  2. T W Wong,
  3. C C Lau
  1. Accident and Emergency Department, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr Y-F Choi
 Medical Officer, Accident and Emergency Department, Pamela Youde Nethersole Hospital, 3, Lok Man Road, Hong Kong; choiyf{at}netvigator.com
  • Accepted 4 October 2005

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of triage rapid initial assessment by doctor (TRIAD) on waiting time and processing time of an emergency department (ED) without extra staff.

Method: A senior emergency doctor was put into triage instead of a consultation cubicle for seven shifts of 9 hours each. All the patients were assessed and necessary interventions started at the time of triage. Waiting time and processing time of various categories of patients were compared with a control group that was sampled during the week before the trial period.

Results: In total, there were 1310 cases in the trial period and 1355 controls. Over a quarter (27%) of the patients received triage doctor interventions. The average waiting time was reduced by 38% and the average processing time by 23%. Patients without triage intervention also had a 24% shorter waiting time because of overall improvement in efficiency. Trauma patients and patients needing radiography particularly benefited from the new system. The waiting time and processing time of category 4 and 5 patients improved significantly as a result of more efficient processing of more urgent cases.

Conclusion: The waiting time and processing time of the ED were greatly reduced by TRIAD without extra manpower.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: none declared

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