Introduction to Triage

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CPD POINTS: 2
Triage was once considered the exclusive domain of the emergency department. However, tendencies toward early discharge of patients, minimising readmission rates, and reducing the use of an overburdened health care system is changing the face and function of triage. The way in which triage is ultimately actioned will differ dependent upon the context; whether it be within a designated emergency department, a rural hospital, GP clinic, via the telephone or in a remote area nursing facility. This program introduces you to the basic concepts of triage using the Emergency Triage Education Kit (ETEK), the foundation guide for triage practice in Australia.

Learning Outcomes


At the completion of this program participants will demonstrate the ability to:

  • Identify the principal aims of triage.
  • Define the term "urgency" in the context of triage assessment.
  • Describe the role and responsibilities of the triage nurse.
  • Outline the key components that make the triage process effective.
  • Differentiate between triage decisions and medical diagnosis.
  • Nominate essential requirements for effective triage of children.
  • Identify unique physiological factors of children and their significance in the triage process.
  • Within a peer group, allocate appropriate categories to case scenarios and discuss rationale for decisions made.