A Scoping Review of Electronic Triage Systems in Emergency Departments

Background: Emergency departments (EDs) face significant challenges, including overcrowding and long wait times, which negatively impact patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The integration of triage technologies aims to address these issues by improving patient flow, reducing wait times, and enhancing the accuracy of triage decisions.

Methodology: This scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews checklist, utilizing a systematic search of literature on PubMed. The search focused on free full-text accessible articles published in 2023, using keywords “emergency department,” “triage system,” and “overcrowding.” A total of 13 articles were initially identified, with 3 being selected for in-depth review based on relevance and quality. The review focuses on the following population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) question: “Within hospital emergency departments, how does the implementation of triage technologies compare to traditional triage practices impact efficiency, patient outcomes, and resource allocation?”

Conclusion: The review found that triage technologies, such as the Electronic Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale and Visual Triage Systems, have significantly improved patient flow and reduced wait times in ED settings. Despite challenges such as the need for cultural adaptations and comprehensive training, the studies highlight the potential of these technologies to enhance ED operations. Future research should focus on refining triage algorithms, ensuring consistent training, and expanding the implementation of successful triage systems to diverse regions. Addressing these challenges will further optimize the effectiveness of triage technologies, leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient ED operations.