Comparing triage evaluation of adult dyspneic patients between emergency nurses and doctors using simulated scenarios

ObjectiveAlthough registered nurses frequently perform triaging in many emergency departments (EDs), little is known regarding the agreement between nurses and doctors in triaging dyspneic patients. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of trained ED nurses with doctors in the evaluation of dyspneic patients at triage using the SimMan 3G simulator.MethodsWe compared eight nurses who underwent a structured training/accreditation program with eight doctors. Two assessors evaluated them through seven common and/or important cardiorespiratory simulated scenarios. Each scenario had an evaluation instrument that scored participants on triage assessment and management. Each nurse was also surveyed over a six-point Likert scale (0–5) on their confidence in triaging dyspneic patients after the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Data/resultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the mean assessment or management scores across all scenarios between doctors versus nurses (p ranging from 0.070 to 0.798). Six nurses felt they could evaluate ED dyspneic patients alone (score of 4) and the remainder with supervision (score of 2–3).ConclusionTrained ED nurses; when compared to doctors; could triage and evaluate dyspneic patients effectively on a simulator.