Triage-Guidelines-for-Emergency-Department

[Virtual Presenter] Today, we will be discussing the triage guidelines for emergency departments at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare. These guidelines are crucial for prioritizing rapid and appropriate treatment for patients based on their medical urgency and resource requirements. In an emergency, time is of the essence. The triage guidelines have been carefully developed to ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care. This is achieved through a comprehensive triage protocol that considers the patient's medical urgency and hospital resources. The primary goal of these guidelines is to provide the best possible care for patients in emergency situations. This is accomplished by quickly identifying and prioritizing those in greatest need of medical attention, while also considering the resources and capabilities of our hospital. By following these guidelines, we can effectively allocate our resources to provide optimal care for our patients. It is important for healthcare professionals to understand and accurately apply these guidelines in emergency situations. This not only ensures the best outcomes for patients, but also helps to reduce wait times and improve efficiency within the emergency department. In conclusion, the triage guidelines at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare are essential for providing rapid and appropriate treatment for patients based on their individual needs. We are committed to upholding these guidelines and continuously improving them to ensure the highest level of care for our patients. Please continue to listen for the rest of our presentation on this topic..

[Audio] Today's training video will cover the Emergency Severity Index Overview, specifically slide number 2 out of 20. As medical professionals, we understand the importance of triage in emergency departments. The Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines prioritize rapid and appropriate treatment for patients based on their medical urgency and resource requirements. Implementing these guidelines effectively requires a standardized system, which is where the Emergency Severity Index comes in. This 5-level triage acuity scale measures a patient's physiologic stability and risk for deterioration, allowing for quick identification of those in need of immediate interventions and treatment. The ESI also helps predict necessary resources for stable patients, optimizing resource use and ensuring proper care level. In higher education, it is crucial to understand and implement the ESI for the best patient care. Let's explore the 5-level scale further and see how it can benefit our emergency departments. Thank you for watching and stay tuned for more information on the Emergency Severity Index..

[Audio] We will be discussing the third slide of our presentation on the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines. This slide focuses on prioritizing treatment for patients in emergency departments based on urgency. The definitions on this slide are crucial for understanding triage, which involves sorting patients based on the severity of their condition. Visual triage is used for early identification of patients with respiratory illness, while primary triage is the initial assessment of a patient's condition. It is important to understand these definitions in order to effectively use the triage guidelines and provide the best care for our patients. Let's now move on to the next slide..

[Audio] We will be discussing the qualifications of a triage nurse in the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare system. Triage guidelines are crucial for prioritizing patient care in emergency departments. Triage nurses must be registered and licensed with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. They also undergo specialized triage training and a competency assessment to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills. The competency assessment evaluates their understanding and application of triage principles. In summary, triage nurses are highly qualified in the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare system to provide the best care in emergency situations. We will continue our discussion on the triage guidelines in the next segment..

[Audio] In this segment, we will discuss the core purpose of the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines. The triage system is designed to quickly and effectively identify patients in need of immediate medical attention. The core purpose of this system is to ensure efficient and effective patient care in emergency departments. This is achieved through three main components: rapid patient identification, regulation of patient flow, and continuous assessment. The first component, rapid patient identification, is crucial in a busy emergency department. It involves quickly assessing the patient's medical urgency and resource requirements. This allows for prioritization of those in need of immediate attention and ensures timely and appropriate care. The second component, regulation of patient flow, aims to manage and control the movement of patients through the emergency department based on medical urgency. This helps to reduce overcrowding and ensure prompt care for those with the most urgent needs. Furthermore, the triage system emphasizes the importance of continuous assessment and reassessment of waiting patients. It is essential for healthcare providers to regularly assess and reassess patients as medical conditions can change rapidly and unexpectedly. The triage system also aims to promote resource efficiency in emergency departments. By matching resources to patient needs, limited resources can be optimized, and patients can receive the best possible care. In conclusion, the core purpose of the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines is to ensure efficient and effective patient care through rapid patient identification, regulation of patient flow, continuous assessment, and resource efficiency. Thank you for watching..

[Audio] In slide number 6 out of 20, we will discuss the visual triage process at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare. This process is essential in quickly and appropriately treating patients in the Emergency Department based on their medical urgency and resource needs. All patients who come to the Emergency Department will undergo visual triage, where a trained healthcare professional will assess them and direct them to the appropriate pretriage areas based on their presenting complaint. This allows for efficient assessment of each patient's needs. There are two main triage areas in the Emergency Department. The respiratory waiting area is for patients with respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. This allows for these patients to receive specialized care as quickly as possible. The regular waiting area is for patients with other complaints, ranging from minor injuries to serious medical conditions. These patients will be closely monitored and reassessed as needed. In some cases, a patient may require immediate care and will be directed to care areas right away, such as in cardiac emergencies or severe trauma. The visual triage process is crucial in efficiently and effectively assessing and directing each patient to the appropriate care area. This allows us to provide the best possible care to every patient, regardless of their medical urgency or resource requirements. Let's move on to the next slide..

[Audio] Moving on to the specific policies related to Dhahran EMS, the first crucial policy is the Universal Assessment which dictates that all patients, regardless of eligibility and ESI level, will be seen and assessed upon arrival at the Emergency Department. This ensures fair treatment for all patients and timely care. The Direct Placement policy allows for patients to be placed directly in the care area after a visual triage and registration, streamlining the process and reducing delays and potential complications. Bedside Documentation requires triage assessment and documentation to be completed at the patient's bedside for accuracy and efficiency, as well as immediate intervention if needed. Additionally, the Fast Track Flexibility policy allows for 1-2 cubicles to be dedicated to triage of waiting patients in the event that the unit is full, demonstrating our commitment to providing rapid and appropriate treatment even during high-volume periods. These policies, along with the overall triage guidelines, are crucial in ensuring the highest quality of care for our patients in emergency situations. We will continue our discussion in the next slide..

[Audio] This training video focuses on the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines, which are essential for healthcare professionals to understand in order to prioritize prompt and appropriate treatment for patients in emergency departments. The guidelines state that assessment and treatment should occur simultaneously, with patients being seen within recommended maximum times based on their ESI level. For Level 1 patients, immediate attention is required and assessment and treatment should occur simultaneously. Level 2 patients should receive assessment and treatment within 10 minutes of their arrival to ensure timely and appropriate care. For Level 3 patients, assessment and treatment should begin within 30-60 minutes to allow for a thorough assessment and appropriate treatment plan. For Level 4 and 5 patients, the time frame for assessment and treatment is extended to 60-120 minutes. While these cases may not be as urgent, it is still important to provide timely care. By adhering to these time to treatment standards, we can ensure that patients receive the necessary care in a timely manner. Let's now move on to the next slide..

[Audio] We will be discussing the topic of triage guidelines in emergency departments. It is our responsibility as healthcare professionals to prioritize and provide timely and appropriate treatment. The Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines ensure this goal is met. On slide 9, we will focus on the re-triage protocol, which is a crucial aspect of the process. This allows for systematic reassessment of patients whose condition may have changed or exceeded waiting times. This is important to ensure patients receive appropriate care. In cases of condition changes or new information, patients will be re-triaged to a different category for necessary treatment. Time-based assessments are also key, with focused reassessments after one hour for Level 3 patients and visual reassessments after two hours for Level 4 patients. All condition changes and re-triage decisions must be documented with reasons for tracking and ensuring proper communication and continuity of care. As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to prioritize and provide the best care, and the re-triage protocol plays a critical role in achieving this goal. On the next slide, we will continue our discussion on the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines..

[Audio] Slide number 10 out of 20 in our presentation on the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines focuses on special patient populations. We will be discussing the considerations for triage assessment in these groups. Firstly, pediatric patients under 14 require accurate weight measurements to determine appropriate medication and treatment dosages. This is due to differences in weight and height proportions and how their bodies respond to medication. Moving on, unaccompanied minors who arrive at the emergency department without a parent or guardian will receive treatment following the MSP-41 Consent to General Treatment guidelines. These guidelines prioritize urgent or emergent situations and prioritize the minor's wellbeing. It is important for healthcare professionals to be mindful of these guidelines and the needs of these special patient populations for rapid and appropriate treatment. Our next slide will cover the triage process in emergency departments..

[Audio] Slide 11 focuses on the Ambulance Arrivals Protocol, an essential part of the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines. This protocol aims to provide efficient and effective treatment for patients based on their medical urgency and the available resources in the emergency department. The primary triage nurse visually assesses the patient upon arrival and assigns them to the most suitable treatment area. A verbal handover then takes place to communicate the patient's condition, symptoms, and other important information to the medical team, ensuring a seamless transition of care. After the patient has been assessed and placed in the appropriate treatment area, the triage nurse documents their arrival in the electronic health record, highlighting their arrival via a Red Crescent ambulance. This documentation is crucial for tracking and managing patient flow. By following this protocol, our emergency department can efficiently and effectively treat patients, resulting in timely and optimal care for patients. This benefits both the patients and allows for better resource management, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. Moving on to slide 12, we will now discuss the vital role of the triage nurse in the overall triage process..

[Audio] In today's presentation, we will be discussing the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines, specifically the Left Without Being Seen Protocol. This protocol ensures that patients who leave before being assessed by a clinician are followed up on and their needs are addressed. The first step is a comprehensive follow-up process for patients who have left without being seen. This means that measures are in place to ensure their health and well-being, even if they left before receiving medical attention. The second step involves discussing all cases with an ED clinician to determine the necessary follow-up needs. Following this, the Patient Relations Unit will contact any patients who require a callback based on their presenting condition, allowing for direct communication and ensuring their needs are not overlooked. The final step is appropriate documentation in the Electronic Health Record for all events, which is crucial for tracking and monitoring patient care. This protocol is an essential part of emergency department processes, prioritizing rapid and appropriate treatment for patients based on medical urgency and resource requirements. It is in line with the mission of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare to provide quality and compassionate care to all patients..

[Audio] Slide number 13 focuses on leadership responsibilities within the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines. These guidelines prioritize rapid and appropriate treatment for patients in emergency departments. The ED Chief or Physician Manager is responsible for overseeing the triage process, along with the ED Nursing Manager, to ensure its quality and effectiveness. The ED Nurse Manager also plays a crucial role by ensuring the competency of all triage staff through collaboration with the Clinical Nurse Educator. Additionally, they regularly review the triage process to ensure its smooth operation. The Charge Nurse or designated individual is responsible for monitoring the triage process, making necessary upgrades to Emergency Severity Index levels, and coordinating patient placement. Effective communication, collaboration, and monitoring among various individuals are necessary for success in this process. The next slide will continue our exploration of the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines. Thank you for your attention and I look forward to further discussions on this topic..

[Audio] Our top priority as healthcare providers is to provide rapid and appropriate treatment for patients in emergency departments. To achieve this, we utilize the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines as a crucial tool for prioritizing patient care based on medical urgency and resource requirements. Let's explore the specific duties of a primary triage nurse, starting with visual triage screening. This involves visually assessing patients for respiratory illnesses and ensuring proper hand hygiene and face mask application for those displaying symptoms. These precautions are essential in preventing the spread of illness to other patients in the waiting area. Additionally, primary triage nurses are responsible for identifying critically ill patients and promptly communicating with the charge nurse for urgent evaluation and treatment in a medical assessment area. It is clear that the duties of a primary triage nurse are vital in efficiently and effectively managing patients in emergency departments. By adhering to the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines, we are able to prioritize patient care and provide necessary treatment. We appreciate your attention and dedication as a valuable member of our healthcare team..

[Audio] We will now discuss the core functions of a triage nurse in the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare system, specifically their role in prioritizing patients in emergency departments. The first core function is conducting a focused assessment, which involves using the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) Algorithm to determine the level of medical urgency for each patient. This is important in ensuring critical patients receive immediate attention. Next, the triage nurse is responsible for directing patients to the appropriate area for their needs and requesting clinician review when necessary. The final core function is initiating nursing interventions and tests, which is crucial in providing timely and effective care. Overall, these core functions are essential in following the triage guidelines and providing rapid and appropriate treatment for patients..

[Audio] It is crucial for emergency medicine professionals to have a consistent and systematic approach when categorizing patients in the triage process. This led to the development of the Emergency Severity Index Algorithm (ESI). The ESI Algorithm is divided into five levels, with the first two focusing on immediate life threats and high-risk situations that require urgent attention, such as cardiac arrest, severe respiratory distress, altered mental status, or severe pain and distress. Levels three to five consider resource requirements, with level three being reserved for patients who need a significant amount of resources such as labs, imaging, consultations, or procedures. This level should be used for patients who require more than the usual level of care. The ESI Algorithm standardizes triage decisions and ensures that appropriate resources are allocated for each patient's needs. In order to provide efficient and effective care, it is important to consider the patient's acuity and resource needs when using the ESI Algorithm..

[Audio] We are now on slide number 17 of our presentation where we will discuss the triage guidelines used by Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare. This guideline is designed to prioritize patients in emergency departments based on their medical urgency and resource requirements. The main goal of this approach is to provide rapid and appropriate treatment for patients in need. Let's take a closer look at the Critical ESI Level 1 criteria. These patients are considered to be in the most critical condition and require immediate life-saving interventions. This includes airway management, emergency medication, and hemodynamic interventions. These interventions are crucial in stabilizing the patient's condition and preventing any further deterioration. Respiratory emergencies, such as those requiring intubation, difficulty breathing, or low oxygen levels, fall under this level and must be prioritized for swift treatment to prevent complications. Cardiac emergencies, in which a patient is in a pulseless state, also require immediate resuscitation. Time is of the essence and swift and effective action is crucial for saving the patient's life. Additionally, neurological emergencies, presenting with acute mental status changes or unresponsiveness, require prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage. In summary, ESI Level 1 patients are in the most critical state and require immediate life-saving interventions for respiratory, cardiac, and neurological emergencies. It is the responsibility of healthcare providers to prioritize these patients and provide timely and appropriate care to improve their chances of survival. In the next slide, we will continue our discussion on the triage guidelines for Level 2 and 3 patients..

[Audio] In this training on the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines, we will now move to slide number 18 where we will discuss the Resource Classification System (RCS). The RCS plays a significant role in determining the triage level for stable patients in emergency departments. It is based on an ESI algorithm that counts different types of resources, such as labs, imaging, and medications, to determine the triage level. These resources are carefully considered to prioritize and provide appropriate treatment for patients and optimize the use of limited resources. Please proceed to the next slide for more information on the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines..

[Audio] This slide will cover the Preliminary Order Set Protocols used by triage nurses in emergency departments to prioritize and expedite patient care. These protocols include specific diagnostic tests and interventions based on presenting complaints, such as EKG requirements for patients with chest pain, dizziness, or abdominal pain. They must be conducted within 10 minutes for swift and accurate diagnosis. Additionally, laboratory tests for conditions such as dysuria, hematuria, and neonatal bilirubin tests are carried out. X-ray protocols are also important for diagnosing certain medical conditions and are promptly conducted by trained triage nurses. These protocols are a crucial part of the Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare triage guidelines and ensure that patient care is prioritized based on medical urgency and resource requirements..

[Audio] In conclusion, our presentation will now cover the final topic of the day, which is the comprehensive triage panel protocols at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare. These protocols are a crucial part of our emergency department operations and are designed to ensure that patients receive prompt and appropriate treatment based on their medical urgency and resource requirements. A key aspect of these protocols is the use of standardized electronic health record protocols, which are based on evidence and aim to provide consistent care for commonly presented complaints in the emergency department. Under the cardiac and respiratory category, we have protocols in place for chest pain, palpitations, and O2 saturation monitoring, which aid in the assessment and management of these critical conditions. In the neurological category, we have protocols for altered mental status, seizure activity, stroke-like symptoms, and head injuries, which are vital for the swift and effective identification and treatment of these conditions. The gastrointestinal category includes protocols for abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting, designed to facilitate timely and appropriate care for these common complaints. Additionally, we have specialized care protocols for sepsis screening, sickle cell pain, psychiatric complaints, and isolation precautions, catering to the specific needs of these conditions and ensuring the best possible care for patients. By adhering to these comprehensive triage panel protocols, we can ensure that our emergency department operates efficiently and effectively, providing top-quality care for every patient. We would like to thank you for attending our presentation and hope that you now have a better understanding of our triage guidelines and their contribution to the high-quality care we offer at Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare. Thank you for your attention..