Implementation and performance of the South African Triage Scale at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya

Implementation and Assessment of the HIV Enhanced Access Testing in the Emergency Department (HEATED) Program in Nairobi, Kenya: A Quasi-Experimental Prospective Study

Background

Persons seeking emergency injury care are often from underserved key populations (KPs) and priority populations (PPs) for HIV programming. While facility-based HIV Testing Services (HTS) in Kenya are effective, emergency department (ED) delivery is limited, despite the potential to reach underserved persons.

Methods

This quasi-experimental prospective study evaluated implementation of the HIV Enhanced Access Testing in Emergency Departments (HEATED) at Kenyatta National Hospital ED in Nairobi, Kenya. The HEATED program was designed using setting specific data and utilizes resource reorganization, services integration and HIV sensitization to promote ED-HTS. KPs included sex workers, gay men, men who have sex with men, transgender persons and persons who inject drugs. PPs included young persons (18-24 years), victims of interpersonal violence, persons with hazardous alcohol use and those never previously HIV tested. Data were obtained from systems-level records, enrolled injured patient participants and healthcare providers. Systems and patient-level data were collected during a pre-implementation period (6 March - 16 April 2023) and post-implementation (period 1, 1 May - 26 June 2023). Additional, systems-level data were collected during a second post-implementation (period 2, 27 June - 20 August 2023). Evaluation analyses were completed across reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance framework domains.

Results

All 151 clinical staff were reached through trainings and sensitizations on the HEATED program. Systems-level ED-HTS increased from 16.7% pre-implementation to 23.0% post-implementation periods 1 and 2 (RR=1.31, 95% CI:1.21-1.43; p<0.001) with a 62.9% relative increase in HIV self-test kit provision. Among 605 patient participants, facilities-based HTS increased from 5.7% pre-implementation to 62.3% post-implementation period 1 (RR=11.2, 95%CI:6.9-18.1; p<0.001). There were 440 (72.7%) patient participants identified as KPs (5.6%) and/or PPs (65.3%). For enrolled KPs/PPs, HTS increased from 4.6% pre-implementation to 72.3% post-implementation period 1 (RR=13.8, 95%CI:5.5-28.7, p<0.001). Systems and participant level data demonstrated successful adoption and implementation of the HEATED program. Through 16-weeks post-implementation a significant increase in ED-HTS delivery was maintained as compared to pre-implementation.

Conclusions

The HEATED program increased ED-HTS and augmented delivery to KPs/PPs, suggesting that broader implementation could improve HIV services for underserved persons, already in contact with health systems.

Triage implementation in resource-limited emergency departments: sharing tools and experience from the Pacific region

According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) Emergency Care Systems Framework, triage is an essential function of emergency departments (EDs). This practice innovation article describes four strategies that have been used to support implementation of the WHO-endorsed Interagency Integrated Triage Tool (IITT) in the Pacific region, namely needs assessment, digital learning, public communications and electronic data management.Using a case study from Vila Central Hospital in Vanuatu, a Pacific Small Island Developing State, we reflect on lessons learned from IITT implementation in a resource-limited ED. In particular, we describe the value of a bespoke needs assessment tool for documenting triage and patient flow requirements; the challenges and opportunities presented by digital learning; the benefits of locally designed, public-facing communications materials; and the feasibility and impact of a low-cost electronic data registry system.Our experience of using these tools in Vanuatu and across the Pacific region will be of interest to other resource-limited EDs seeking to improve their triage practice and performance. Although the resources and strategies presented in this article are focussed on the IITT, the principles are equally relevant to other triage systems.

Systematic review: What is the impact of triage implementation on clinical outcomes and process measures in low- and middle-income country emergency departments?

INTRODUCTION

Triage is widely regarded as an essential function of emergency care (EC) systems, especially in resource-limited settings. Through a systematic search and review of the literature, we investigated the effect of triage implementation on clinical outcomes and process measures in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) emergency departments (EDs).

METHODS

Structured searches were conducted using MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Global Health. Eligible articles identified through screening and full-text review underwent risk-of-bias assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The quality of evidence for each effect measure was summarized using GRADE.

RESULTS

Among 10,394 articles identified through the search strategy, 58 underwent full-text review and 16 were included in the final synthesis. All utilized pre-/postintervention methods and a majority were single center. Effect measures included mortality, waiting time, length of stay, admission rate, and patient satisfaction. Of these, ED mortality and time to clinician assessment were evaluated most frequently. The majority of studies using these outcomes identified a positive effect, namely a reduction in deaths and waiting time among patients presenting for EC. The quality of the evidence was moderate for these measures but low or very low for all other outcomes and process indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

There is moderate quality of evidence supporting an association between the introduction of triage and a reduction in deaths and waiting time. Although the available data support the value of triage in LMIC EDs, the risk of confounding and publication bias is significant. Future studies will benefit from more rigorous research methods.

HIV self-testing acceptability among injured persons seeking emergency care in Nairobi, Kenya

BACKGROUND

Emergency department-based HIV self-testing (ED-HIVST) could increase HIV-testing services to high-risk, under-reached populations.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to understand the injury patient acceptability of ED-HIVST.

METHODS

Injury patients presenting to the Kenyatta National Hospital Accident and Emergency Department were enrolled from March to May 2021. Likert item data on HIVST assessing domains of general acceptability, personal acceptability, and acceptability to distribute to social and/or sexual networks were collected. Ordinal regression was performed yielding adjusted odds ratios (aOR) to identify characteristics associated with high HIVST acceptability across domains.

RESULTS

Of 600 participants, 88.7% were male, and the median age was 29. Half reported having primary care providers (PCPs) and 86.2% reported prior HIV testing. For each Likert item, an average of 63.5% of the participants reported they 'Agree Completely' with positive statements about ED-HIVST in general, for themselves, and for others. In adjusted analysis for general acceptability, those <25 (aOR = 1.67, 95%CI:1.36-2.08) and with prior HIV testing (aOR = 1.68, 95%CI:1.27-2.21) had greater odds of agreeing completely. For personal acceptability, those with a PCP (aOR = 3.31, 95%CI:2.72-4.03) and prior HIV testing (aOR = 1.83, 95%CI:1.41-2.38) had greater odds of agreeing completely. For distribution acceptability, participants with a PCP (aOR = 2.42, 95%CI:2.01-2.92) and prior HIV testing (aOR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.38-2.33) had greater odds of agreeing completely.

CONCLUSIONS

ED-HIVST is perceived as highly acceptable, and young people with prior testing and PCPs had significantly greater favourability. These data provide a foundation for ED-HIVST programme development in Kenya.

Machine learning models to predict traumatic brain injury outcomes in Tanzania: Using delays to emergency care as predictors

Constraints to emergency department resources may prevent the timely provision of care following a patient's arrival to the hospital. In-hospital delays may adversely affect health outcomes, particularly among trauma patients who require prompt management. Prognostic models can help optimize resource allocation thereby reducing in-hospital delays and improving trauma outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive value of delays to emergency care in machine learning based traumatic brain injury (TBI) prognostic models. Our data source was a TBI registry from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Emergency Department in Moshi, Tanzania. We created twelve unique variables representing delays to emergency care and included them in eight different machine learning based TBI prognostic models that predict in-hospital outcome. Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Inclusion of our twelve time to care variables improved predictability in each of our eight prognostic models. Our Bayesian generalized linear model produced the largest AUC, with a value of 89.5 (95% CI: 88.8, 90.3). Time to care variables were among the most important predictors of in-hospital outcome in our best three performing models. In low-resource settings where delays to care are highly prevalent and contribute to high mortality rates, incorporation of care delays into prediction models that support clinical decision making may benefit both emergency medicine physicians and trauma patients by improving prognostication performance.

A qualitative assessment of stakeholder perspectives on barriers and facilitators to emergency care delays in Northern Tanzania through the Three Delays

Introduction

Emergency conditions cause a significant burden of death and disability, particularly in developing countries. Prehospital and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are largely nonexistent throughout Tanzania and little is known about the community's barriers to accessing emergency care. The objective of this study was to better understand local community stakeholder perspectives on barriers, facilitators, and potential solutions surrounding emergency care in the Kilimanjaro region through the Three Delays Model framework.

Methods

A qualitative assessment of local stakeholders was conducted through semi-structured focus group discussions (FGDs) from February to June 2021 with five separate groups: hospital administrators, emergency hospital workers, police personnel, fire brigade personnel, and community health workers. FGDs were conducted in Kiswahili, audio recorded, and translated to English verbatim. Two research analysts separately coded the first two FGDs using both inductive and deductive thematic analysis. A final codebook was then created to analyze the remaining FGDs.

Results

A total of 24 participants were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed that participants identified significant barriers within the Three Delays Model as well as identified an additional delay centered on community members and first aid provision. Perceived delays in the decision to seek care, the first delay, were financial constraints and the lack of community education on emergency conditions. Limited infrastructure and reduced transportation access were thought to contribute to the second delay. Potential barriers to receiving timely appropriate care, the third delay, included upfront payments required by hospitals and emergency department intake delays. Suggested solutions focused on increasing education and improving communication and infrastructure.

Conclusion

The findings outline barriers to accessing emergency care from a stakeholder perspective. These themes can support recommendations for further strengthening of the prehospital and emergency care system. Due to logistical constraints, emergency care workers interviewed were all from one hospital and patients were not included.

Variables associated to intensive care unit (ICU)-mortality among patients admitted to surgical intensive care unit in Ethiopia: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to assess variables associated to ICU-mortality among patients admitted to surgical intensive care unit in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A Hospital-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted on all patients who were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit. Data were extracted from patients' charts with a pretested data extraction tool, entered into Epi-data 4.6.0, and analyzed with STATA- 14. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were fitted.

RESULTS

Of the total study participants (388), 148 (38.1%) patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit died during the follow-up period with a median survival time of 11 days. Potassium level < 3.5 mmol/L (adjusted hazard ratio ( AHR): 3.46, 95% CI (1.83 6.55), potassium level > 5.0 mmol/L (AHR:2.41, 95% CI (1.29-4.51), hypoxia (AHR:1.66, 95% CI (1.10-2.48), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score < 9 (AHR: 4.06, 95% CI (1.51-10.89), mechanical ventilation (AHR:12, 95%CI (3-45), absence of thromboprophylaxis (AHR:10.8,95% CI (6.04-19.29), absence of enteral feeding (AHR:3.56, 95% CI (2.20-5.78) were variables associated with ICU-mortality among patients admitted to surgical intensive care unit.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall ICU-mortality of patients admitted to our surgical intensive care unit was higher compared to patients admitted to similar intensive care unit in developed countries. The variables associated to ICU-mortality among patients admitted to surgical intensive care unit were abnormal serum potassium level, lower GCS score, mechanical support, hypoxia, absence of thromboprophylaxis, and enteral feeding.

Is the Triage System Welcomed in the Tertiary Hospital of the Limpopo Province? A Qualitative Study on Patient’s Perceptions

A triage system in the emergency department is necessary to prioritize and allocate scarce health resources to the medical needs of the patients to facilitate quality health service delivery. This paper aimed to ascertain if the triage system is welcomed in the tertiary hospital of Limpopo Province by exploring patients’ perceptions in the emergency department in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used in this study with descriptive, explorative, and contextual research design to reach the research objective. Purposive sampling was used to select the patients who participated in semi-structured one-on-one interviews, which lasted between 30 and 45 min. The sample size was determined by data saturation after 14 participants were interviewed. A narrative qualitative analysis method was used to interpret and categorize the patients’ perceptions into seven domains of Benner’s theory. The six relevant domains illustrated mixed patients‘ perceptions regarding the triage system in the emergency departments. The domain-helping role of the triage system was overweighed by the dissatisfaction of the needy patients who waited for an extended period to receive emergency services. We conclude that the triage system at the selected tertiary hospital is not welcomed due to its disorganization and patient-related factors in the emergency departments. The findings of this paper are a point of reference for reinforcing the triage practice and improved quality service delivery by the emergency department healthcare professionals and the department of health policymakers. Furthermore, the authors propose that the seven domains of Benner’s theory can serve as a foundation for research and improving triage practice within emergency departments.

Paediatric trauma education in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic literature review

Background

Trauma-specific training improves clinician comfort and reduces patient morbidity and mortality; however, curricular content, especially with regard to paediatric trauma, varies greatly by region and income status. We sought to understand how much paediatric education is included in trauma curricula taught in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review in October 2020 and in July 2022 based on PRISMA guidelines, utilizing seven databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Reviews, Cochrane Trials, and Global Index Medicus. Reports were limited to those from World Bank-designated LMICs. Key information reviewed included use of a trauma curriculum, patient-related outcomes, and provider/participant outcomes.

Results

The search yielded 2008 reports, with 987 included for initial screening. Thirty-nine of these were selected for review based on inclusion criteria. Sixteen unique trauma curricula used in LMICs were identified, with only two being specific to paediatric trauma. Seven of the adult-focused trauma programmes included sections on paediatric trauma. Curricular content varied significantly in educational topics and skills assessed. Among the 39 included curricula, 33 were evaluated based on provider-based outcomes and six on patient-based outcomes. All provider-based outcome reports showed increased knowledge acquisition and comfort. Four of the five patient-based outcome reports showed reduction in trauma-related morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion

Trauma curricula in LMICs positively impact provider knowledge and may decrease trauma-related morbidity and mortality; however, there is significant variability in existing trauma curricula regarding to paediatric-specific content. Trauma education in LMICs should expand paediatric-specific education, as this population appears to be underserved by most existing curricula.

Assessment of substance use among injured persons seeking emergency care in Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya. In many countries, substance use is common among patients presenting with injuries to an emergency center (EC).

Objective

To describe the epidemiology of self-reported substance use among adult injured patients seeking ED care in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study, assessed patients presenting with injuries to the Kenyatta National Hospital ED in Nairobi, Kenya from March through June of 2021. Data on substance use, injury characteristics and ED disposition were collected. Substances of interest were alcohol, stimulants, marijuana, and opiates. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C) tool was used to characterize hazardous alcohol use.

Results

A total of 1,282 patients were screened for participation, of which 646 were enrolled. Among participants, 322 (49.8%) reported substance use in the past month (AUDIT-C positive, stimulants, opiates, and/or marijuana). Hazardous alcohol use was reported by 271 (42.0%) patients who screened positive with AUDIT-C. Polysubstance use, (≥2 substances) was reported by 87 participants in the past month. Median time from injury to ED arrival was 13.1 h for all enrolees, and this number was significantly higher among substance users (median 15.4 h, IQR 5.5 - 25.5; p = 0.029).

Conclusions

In the population studied, reported substance use was common with a substantial proportion of injured persons screening positive for hazardous alcohol use. Those with substance use had later presentations for injury care. These data suggest that ED programming for substance use disorder screening and care linkage could be impactful in the study setting.

Assessment of standard HIV testing services delivery to injured persons seeking emergency care in Nairobi, Kenya: A prospective observational study

Emergency departments (EDs) in Africa are contact points for key groups for HIV testing services (HTS) but understanding of ED-testing delivery is limited which may impeded program impacts. This study evaluated the offering and uptake of standard HTS among injured persons seeking ED care at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi, Kenya. An ED population of adult injured persons was prospectively enrolled (1 March-25 May 2021) and followed through ED disposition. Participants requiring admission were followed through hospital discharge and willing participants were contacted at 28-days for follow up. Data on population characteristics and HTS were collected by personnel distinct from clinicians responsible for standard HTS. Descriptive analyses were performed and prevalence values with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for HIV parameters. The study enrolled 646 participants. The median age was 29 years with the majority male (87.8%). Most ED patients were discharged (58.9%). A prior HIV diagnosis was reported by 2.3% of participants and 52.7% reported their last testing as >6 months prior. Standard ED-HTS were offered to 49 or 8.6% of participants (95% CI: 5.8-9.9%), among which 89.8% accepted. For ED-tested participants 11.4% were newly diagnosed with HIV (95% CI: 5.0-24.0%). Among 243 participants admitted, testing was offered to 6.2% (95% CI: 3.9-9.9%), with 93.8% accepting. For admitted participants tested 13.3% (95% CI: 4.0-35.1%) were newly diagnosed (all distinct from ED cases). At 28-day follow up an additional 22 participants reported completing testing since ED visitation, with three newly diagnosed. During the full follow-up period the HIV prevalence in the population tested was 10.3% (95% CI: 5.3-19.0%); all being previously undiagnosed. Offering of standard HTS was infrequent, however, when offered, uptake and identification of new HIV diagnoses were high. These data suggest that opportunities exist to improve ED-HTS which could enhance identification of undiagnosed HIV.

Implementation of the South African Triage Scale (SATS) in a New Ambulance System in Beira, Mozambique: A Retrospective Observational Study

In 2019, an urban ambulance system was deployed in the city of Beira, Mozambique to refer patients from peripheral health centres (HCs) to the only hospital of the city (Beira Central Hospital-HCB). Initially, the system worked following a first-in-first-out approach, thus leading to referrals not based on severity condition. With the aim of improving the process, the South African Triage Scale (SATS) has been subsequently introduced in three HCs. In this study, we assessed the impact of SATS implementation on the selection process and the accuracy of triage performed by nurses. We assessed 552 and 1608 referral charts from before and after SATS implementation, respectively, and we retrospectively calculated codes. We compared the expected referred patients' codes from the two phases, and nurse-assigned codes to the expected ones. The proportion of referred orange and red codes significantly increased (+12.2% and +12.9%) while the proportion of green and yellow codes decreased (-18.7% and -5.8%). The overall rates of accuracy, and under- and overtriage were 34.2%, 36.3%, and 29.5%, respectively. The implementation of SATS modified the pattern of referred patients and increased the number of severe cases receiving advanced medical care at HCB. While nurses' accuracy improved with the routine use of the protocol, the observed rates of incorrect triage suggest that further research is needed to identify factors affecting SATS application in this setting.

Implementing a new emergency medical triage tool in one health region in Norway: some lessons learned

BACKGROUND

Acutely sick or injured patients depend on ambulance and emergency department personnel performing an accurate initial assessment and prioritisation (triage) to effectively identify patients in need of immediate treatment. Triage also ensures that each patient receives fair initial assessment. To improve the patient safety, quality of care, and communication about a patient's medical condition, we implemented a new triage tool (the South African Triage Scale Norway (SATS-N) in all the ambulance services and emergency departments in one health region in Norway. This article describes the lessons we learnt during this implementation process.

METHODS

The main framework in this quality improvement (QI) work was the plan-do-study-act cycle. Additional process sources were 'The Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for improvement' and the Norwegian Patient Safety Programme.

RESULTS

Based on the QI process as a whole, we defined subjects influencing this work to be successful, such as identifying areas for improvement, establishing multidisciplinary teams, coaching, implementing measurements and securing sustainability. After these subjects were connected to the relevant challenges and desired effects, we described the lessons we learnt during this comprehensive QI process.

CONCLUSION

We learnt the importance of following a structured framework for QI process during the implementation of the SATS-N triage tool. Furthermore, securing anchoring at all levels, from the managements to the medical professionals in direct patient-orientated work, was relevant important. Moreover, establishing multidisciplinary teams with ambulance personnel, emergency department nurses and doctors with various medical specialties provided ownership to the participants. Meanwhile, coaching provided necessary security for the staff directly involved in caring for patients. Keeping the spirit and perseverance high were important factors in completing the implementation. Establishment of the regional network group was found to be important for sustainability and further improvements.

A descriptive study of demographics, triage allocations and patient outcomes at a private emergency centre in Pretoria

BACKGROUND

Triage aims to detect critically ill patients and to prioritise those with time-sensitive needs, whilst contributing to the efficiency of an emergency centre (EC). International systems have been relatively well researched; however, little data exists on the use of the South African Triage Scale (SATS) in private healthcare settings in South Africa (SA).

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study was undertaken. Data relating to demographics, application of triage, time in EC and disposition were collected on all patients presenting to the EC from 1st January to 31st December 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 29 055 patients' data were included. The mean age was 41 years. Most patients were triaged yellow (73.5%); 17.4% were triaged as red and orange. Patients were seen by a doctor in a mean time of 28 min. Delays to be seen exceeded standards for red and orange patients at 8 min and 18 min, respectively. Most patients (76.1%) were discharged; 5.6% were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU)/high care, and 14.4% to general wards. Of patients triaged red and orange, 11.1% and 49.3% were discharged, respectively, whereas 81.7% of yellow patients were discharged home.

CONCLUSION

This study found that most patients were triaged into low acuity categories and were discharged home. High acuity patients were usually admitted to ICU/high care; however, these patients experienced delays in receiving treatment. The causes of these issues, and the implications, remain unknown. Large numbers of high acuity patients were discharged home. Further studies are needed to understand the influence of triage accuracy on these patients' outcomes.

Validity and reliability of the Interagency Integrated Triage Tool in a regional emergency department in Papua New Guinea

OBJECTIVE

The Interagency Integrated Triage Tool (IITT) is a novel, three-tier triage system recommended by the World Health Organization. The present study sought to assess the validity and reliability of a pilot version of the tool in a resource-limited ED in regional Papua New Guinea.

METHODS

This pragmatic prospective observational study, conducted at Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital, commenced 1 month after IITT implementation. The facility did not have a pre-existing triage system. All ED patients presenting within a 5-month period were included. The primary outcome was sensitivity for the detection of time-critical illness, defined by 10 pre-specified diagnoses. The association between triage category and ED outcomes was examined using Cramer's V correlation coefficient. Reliability was assessed by inter-rater agreement between a local and an experienced external triage officer.

RESULTS

There were 9437 presentations during the study period and 9175 (97.2%) had a triage category recorded. Overall, 138 (1.5%) were classified as category 1 (emergency), 1438 (15.7%) as category 2 (priority) and 7599 (82.8%) as category 3 (non-urgent). When applied by a mix of community health workers, nurses, health extension officers and doctors, the tool's sensitivity for the detection of time-critical illness was 77.8% (95% confidence interval 64.4-88.0). The admission rate was 14.5% (20/138) among emergency patients, 12.0% (173/1438) among priority patients and 0.4% (30/7599) among non-urgent patients (P = 0.00). Death in the ED occurred in 13 (9.4%) of 138 emergency patients, 34 (2.4%) of 1438 priority patients and four (0.1%) of 7599 non-urgent patients (P = 0.00). The negative predictive value for these outcomes was >99.5%. Among 170 observed triage assessments, weighted κ was 0.81 (excellent agreement). On average, it took clinicians 2 min 43 s (standard deviation 1:10) to complete a triage assessment.

CONCLUSION

There is limited published data regarding the predictive validity and inter-rater reliability of the IITT. In this pragmatic study, the pilot version of the tool demonstrated adequate performance. Evaluation in other emergency care settings is recommended.

Validation of the Interagency Integrated Triage Tool in a resource-limited, urban emergency department in Papua New Guinea: a pilot study

Background

The Interagency Integrated Triage Tool (IITT) is a three-tier triage system designed for resource-limited emergency care (EC) settings. This study sought to assess the validity and reliability of a pilot version of the tool in an urban emergency department (ED) in Papua New Guinea.

Methods

A pragmatic observational study was conducted at Gerehu General Hospital in Port Moresby, commencing eight weeks after IITT implementation. All ED patients presenting within the subsequent two-month period were included. Triage assessments were performed by a variety of ED clinicians, including community health workers, nurses and doctors. The primary outcome was sensitivity for the detection of time-critical illness, defined by ten pre-specified diagnoses. The association between triage category and ED outcomes was examined using Cramer's V correlation coefficient. Reliability was assessed by inter-rater agreement between a local and an experienced, external triage officer.

Findings

Among 4512 presentations during the study period, 58 (1.3%) were classified as category one (emergency), 967 (21.6%) as category two (priority) and 3478 (77.1%) as category three (non-urgent). The tool's sensitivity for detecting the pre-specified set of time-sensitive conditions was 70.8% (95%CI 58.2-81.4%), with negative predictive values of 97.3% (95%CI 96.7 - 97.8%) for admission/transfer and 99.9% (95%CI 99.7 - 100.0%) for death. The admission/transfer rate was 44.8% (26/58) among emergency patients, 22.9% (223/976) among priority patients and 2.7% (94/3478) among non-urgent patients (Cramer's V=0.351, p=0.00). Four of 58 (6.9%) emergency patients, 19/976 (2.0%) priority patients and 3/3478 (0.1%) non-urgent patients died in the ED (Cramer's V=0.14, p=0.00). The under-triage rate was 2.7% (94/3477) and the over-triage rate 48.2% (28/58), both within pre-specified limits of acceptability. On average, it took staff 3 minutes 34 seconds (SD 1:06) to determine and document a triage category. Among 70 observed assessments, weighted κ was 0.84 (excellent agreement).

Interpretation

The pilot version of the IITT demonstrated acceptable performance characteristics, and validation in other EC settings is warranted.

Funding

This project was funded through a Friendship Grant from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and an International Development Fund Grant from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Foundation.

Global Emergency Medicine: A Review of the Literature From 2019

OBJECTIVE

The annual systematic search of the peer-reviewed and gray literature relevant to global emergency medicine (EM) was conducted by the Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review (GEMLR) to screen, evaluate, and review the most rigorously conducted and relevant research in global EM published in 2019.

METHODS

After a broad search of PubMed and websites of organizations publishing relevant gray literature, all articles that were deemed relevant to the fields of disaster and humanitarian response, emergency care in resource-limited settings, and EM development by at least one reviewer, an editor, and the managing editors were then scored by two different reviewers using a 20-point scoring template relevant to either original research (OR) or review (RE) articles. This scoring system rates articles on their clarity, research design, ethics, importance to global EM, and breadth of impact. Articles that then scored in the top 5% were then critiqued in depth.

RESULTS

A total of 23,321 article titles and abstracts were screened by 22 reviewers with a wide swath of clinical and research experience in global EM. From these, a total of 356 articles underwent full-text review and scoring on the 20-point scale; 26% were categorized as disaster and humanitarian response, 58% as emergency care in resource-limited settings, and 15% as EM development. Of these 356 articles, 276 (77.5%) were OR articles and 80 (22.5%) were RE articles. The 16 articles that scored in the top 5% (>17.5 of 20 points) received full in-depth narrative summaries.

CONCLUSIONS

In 2019, the overall number of studies relevant to global EM that were identified by our search decreased from the prior year, but more high-scoring articles related to the development of EM clinical practice and as a specialty in resource-constrained settings were identified.

Implementation of a novel three-tier triage tool in Papua New Guinea: A model for resource-limited emergency departments

In emergency departments (EDs), demand for care often exceeds the available resources. Triage addresses this problem by sorting patients into categories of urgency.

The Interagency Integrated Triage Tool (IITT) is a novel triage system designed for resource-limited emergency care (EC) settings. The system was piloted by two EDs in Papua New Guinea as part of an EC capacity development program.

Implementation involved a five-hour teaching program for all ED staff, complemented by training resources including flowcharts and reference guides. Clinical redesign helped optimise flow and infrastructure, and development of simple electronic registries enabled data collection. Local champions were identified, and experienced EC clinicians from Australia acted as mentors during system roll-out.

Evaluation data suggests the IITT, and the associated change management process, have high levels of acceptance amongst staff. Subject to validation, the IITT may be relevant to other resource-limited EC settings.

An analysis of emergency care delays experienced by traumatic brain injury patients presenting to a regional referral hospital in a low-income country

Background

Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), trauma patients have a higher risk of experiencing delays to care due to limited hospital resources and difficulties in reaching a health facility. Reducing delays to care is an effective method for improving trauma outcomes. However, few studies have investigated the variety of care delays experienced by trauma patients in LMICs. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of pre- and in-hospital delays to care, and their association with poor outcomes among trauma patients in a low-income setting.

Methods

We used a prospective traumatic brain injury (TBI) registry from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Moshi, Tanzania to model nine unique delays to care. Multiple regression was used to identify delays significantly associated with poor in-hospital outcomes.

Results

Our analysis included 3209 TBI patients. The most common delay from injury occurrence to hospital arrival was 1.1 to 4.0 hours (31.9%). Most patients were evaluated by a physician within 15.0 minutes of arrival (69.2%). Nearly all severely injured patients needed and did not receive a brain computed tomography scan (95.0%). A majority of severely injured patients needed and did not receive oxygen (80.8%). Predictors of a poor outcome included delays to lab tests, fluids, oxygen, and non-TBI surgery.

Conclusions

Time to care data is informative, easy to collect, and available in any setting. Our time to care data revealed significant constraints to non-personnel related hospital resources. Severely injured patients with the greatest need for care lacked access to medical imaging, oxygen, and surgery. Insights from our study and future studies will help optimize resource allocation in low-income hospitals thereby reducing delays to care and improving trauma outcomes in LMICs.

Performance of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, and Speech (CRAMS) score in trauma severity and in-hospital mortality prediction in multiple trauma patients: a comparison study

Background

With an increasing number of motor vehicle crashes, there is an urgent need in emergency departments (EDs) to assess patients with multiple trauma quickly, easily, and reliably. Trauma severity can range from a minor to major threats to life or bodily function. In-hospital mortality and trauma severity prediction in such cases is crucial in the ED for the management of multiple trauma and improvement of the outcome of these patients. Previous studies have examined the performance of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) or Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, and Speech (CRAMS) score based solely on mortality prediction or injury severity prediction. However, to the best of our knowledge, the performances of both scoring systems on in-hospital mortality and trauma severity prediction have not been compared previously. This retrospective study evaluated the value of MEWS and CRAMS score to predict in-hospital mortality and trauma severity in patients presenting to the ED with multiple traumatic injuries.

Methods

All study subjects were multiple trauma patients. Medical data of 1,127 patients were analyzed between January 2014 and April 2018. The MEWS and CRAMS score were calculated, and logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were conducted to investigate their performances regarding in-hospital mortality and trauma severity prediction.

Results

For in-hospital mortality prediction, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCs) for MEWS and CRAMS score were 0.90 and 0.91, respectively, indicating that both of them were good in-hospital mortality predictors. Further, our study indicated that the CRAMS score performed better in trauma severity prediction, with an AUROC value of 0.84, which was higher than that of MEWS (AUROC = 0.77). For trauma severity prediction, the optimal cut-off value for MEWS was 2, while that of the CRAMS score was 8.

Conclusions

We found that both MEWS and CRAMS score can be used as predictors for trauma severity and in-hospital mortality for multiple trauma patients, but that CRAMS score was superior to MEWS for trauma severity prediction. CRAMS score should be prioritized in the prediction of trauma severity due to its excellence as a multiple trauma triage tool and potential contribution to rapid emergency rescue decisions.