Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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The accuracy of an initial ED triage decision has been reported to drive the clinical trajectory for ED patients, and, therefore, this assessment is critical to patient safety. The Emergency Severity Index-a 5-point score assigned by a triage nurse and based on disease acuity, patient potential for decompensation, and anticipated resource use-is used both in the United States and internationally. In the US, the Emergency Severity Index is used by up to 94% of the academic medical center emergency departments. In 2020, the Emergency Nurses Association acquired the intellectual property rights to the Emergency Severity Index and is responsible for its maintenance and improvement. ⋯ The research priorities as set through the use of this modified Delphi process align well with current gaps in the literature. Research in these areas should be encouraged to improve the understanding of educational, environmental, and process challenges to emergency nurses' triage decisions and accuracy of Emergency Severity Index assignments.
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ED visits for gastrostomy tube-related complications are common, and many are related to tube displacement. Evidence-based practices can provide standardized care. ⋯ Educating providers regarding care for displaced gastrostomy tubes increased their knowledge. A standardized algorithm improved care by decreasing the use of contrast studies, improving documentation, and referring patients to the gastrostomy/specialty clinic. This evidence-based algorithm offered health care providers a protocol to ensure consistent care for children in the emergency department and support for families.