EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRIAGING SYSTEM AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF UNIVERSITY BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Emergency departments (EDs) are crucial in providing immediate care to critically ill patients, yet challenges such as overcrowding and limited resources often hinder effective service delivery. Triage systems are designed to ensure patients are prioritized according to the severity of their conditions, enhancing timely and efficient care. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of the triaging system among healthcare professionals in the Emergency Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire from 67 healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, and paramedics, selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 25. Findings revealed that most respondents had a high level of knowledge of triage principles and viewed the current system as effective in reducing patient waiting time, improving teamwork, and enhancing early detection of critical cases. However, factors such as limited triage tools, high patient inflow, and time constraints affected optimal implementation. The chi-square test (χ² = 0.0764, p > 0.05) showed no significant relationship between knowledge and perceived effectiveness. The study concluded that while healthcare professionals at UBTH possess adequate triage knowledge, infrastructural challenges and workload pressures limit system efficiency. Strengthening triage protocols, continuous training, and adequate staffing were recommended to enhance emergency care outcomes.