Abstract:
This study was designed to investigate nurses knowledge and perceived skills in reported practices of triage in emergency units of selected tertiary hospitals in Enugu State. A quantitative descriptive design was used with questionnaires shared to the all nurses (98) working in the emergency units. Literature reviewed enhanced the theoretical and empirical background of the study. Data generated was analysed based on the objectives of the study with SPSS 24. Less than half (48.6%) of the respondents were between the ages of 30-39 with the mean age of 22.3+ 9.4. Major findings were: moderate (51.4%) triage knowledge level; low (42%) to moderate (61.6%) perceived skills in triage among nurses in ESUTH and moderate (73%) to high (85%) perceived triage skills among nurses in UNTH and NOHE respectively. Reported practices always involved a nurse assigned to triage (44.6%) and CABNP method of assessment (67.6%). Sometimes (41.9%), utilization of hospital triage scale is done, documentation of triage is not always done (87.5%). An increase in years of experience, professional certificate, triage knowledge and perceived triage skills did not lead to a significant increase in triage implementation practices (r=0.557, p>0.05). There was no significant relationship between educational level and triage knowledge in all three institutions (p>0.05). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in triage knowledge level of nurses in the three institutions or significant association (p>0.05) between triage knowledge and triage implementation practices. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in triage skills perceived by the nurses with nurses in ESUTH having low perceived skills. The study concluded that nurses in the emergency department do not have sufficient knowledge to carry out triage and do not document triage implementation practices. Immediate in-service training/workshops should be carried out followed by supervision to ensure appropriate triage implementation practices.
