Effectiveness of Using an Emergency Severity Index Screening Model for Patients in the Emergency and Forensic Medicine Department at KiriMat Hospital, Sukhothai Province.

Abstract

Abstract

            This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effectiveness of using an emergency severity index screening model for patients in the Emergency and Forensic Medicine Department at KiriMat Hospital, Sukhothai Province. The sample consisted of 11 professional nurses who performed patient triage and 150 patients who used services at the Emergency and Forensic Medicine Department at KiriMat Hospital, Sukhothai Province. The experimental tool was a patient screening model using emergency severity index that classified patients based on the emergency severity index according to Gilboy's concept and the Australian Government. Data collection instruments included a patient waiting time record form and a questionnaire on the independent nursing role performance of professional nurses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

            The results showed that after implementing the emergency severity index screening model, the average waiting time of patients was significantly better than before using the screening model (p=0.001). After implementing the emergency severity index screening model, the average score of independent nursing role performance was significantly better than before using the screening model (p=0.009).

            Therefore, professional nurses in the Emergency and Forensic Medicine Department should be encouraged to apply the emergency severity index screening model to reduce waiting time and increase efficiency in prioritizing patient urgency.