Development of a triage system (SATS) in Saudi Arabia

3rd National Conference for Emergency Nurses • Improvement in communications as reported by HSMs, nurses and GPs. • An increase in confidence and competence, greatest for nurses with less experience. • The program is contributing to the continued delivery of a high quality after hours medical care service with a sound customer service focus to meet rural community needs.

This project was of great value and needs to be continued as staff movements leave hospitals with new inexperienced staff. doi:10.1016/j.aenj.2008.09.023 Triage role in a tertiary Emergency Department: Changing practice to meet demand Kelly-Ann Hahn, Janice Power Overcrowding and access block in RPH Emergency Department has impacted significantly on the ability of staff to fulfil their roles in triage and customer liaison. A review of the current liaison role was conducted as there had been increase in complaints received regarding the waiting room area specifically focussed on communication and information sharing of staff at triage. From this review it was identified that the triage liaison role was being absorbed in meeting the increasing demands of the triage area. Increase patient presentations and the need for greater focus on patients waiting to access the Emergency Department had changed the role requirements of staff in this area. A trial was conducted where the role of triage liaison was allocated to staff who were not competent in the triaging of patients into the ED to ensure that the role of customer liaison was being met. The EN staff and staff progressing towards the triage role were identified as meeting this criterion. The trial is ongoing. Anecdotal feedback from staff and the public to date has been positive. There has been an increase in compliments from the public in the waiting area and staff who are allocated the role have reported positive experiences and increase satisfaction in the work environment. doi:10.1016/j.aenj.2008.09.024 Development of a triage system (SATS) in Saudi Arabia Mohammed Aljohani ∗ , Joy Lyneham Monash University, Frankston, VIC, Australia The number of patient seeking emergency care in Saudi Arabia (SA) is increasing annually; however, most of emergency departments do not use a formal triage system. Research has shown that a formal, reliable and validated triage process provides access to emergency care based on clinical acuity and availability of resources. Recent Saudi research has found that if a triage system is used it is likely to be an adaptation of the Canadian, Manchester or Australasian Triage scales. The fact that the person responsible for triage varies with each hospital has resulted in some confusion within Saudi, as if staff change hospital the system of triage is likely to change as well. There are no published studies on the current triage situation in Saudi,

203 however in the last couple of years research has started to be conducted, with some difficulty, in this area. The consequence of this is that the level of care is dependent on which hospital a person attends. Due to the differences between the health and cultural systems, the transferability of a Western triage system is questionable. Aim: This paper will discuss current research, using a Delphi method to establish a Saudi Triage System (SATS). This paper will also discuss the cultural and practice issues that have arisen during the conduct of this research. doi:10.1016/j.aenj.2008.09.025 Better, safer or just faster, faster—–What do you know about transfusion? What are the risks? Where can you get information and help? Annie McNae, Julianne Lefante Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) Transfusion Nurses, Australia Is transfusion just ‘pouring’ in the blood until further management happens? Does the benefit of what we do outweigh the risks? What are the risks associated with what we are going? Given the volume of specimens taken and transfusion given in your department, how much education do you receive on the subject of transfusion? The risk of getting HIV from a transfusion in Australia is less than 1 in 10 million, but in fact the most common adverse event related to transfusion is an incorrect component being transfused—–blood meant for someone else or which did not meet the patient’s needs. Presented in an interactive format, this focus group will provide a forum for you to explore current opportunities available in transfusion education, discuss how they may be incorporated into current education strategies and give some feedback to help ARCBS help you with educational resources. Proposed agenda: • • • •

Introduction to ARCBS and the Transfusion Medicine team. Product safety vs. process safety. Information sources and resources. Feedback from the battlefield.

doi:10.1016/j.aenj.2008.09.026