title: How rapid assessment at triage can improve care outcomes.
abstract: As the number of patients who present at emergency departments (EDs) increases (Australian College for Emergency Medicine 2005), ED staff are coming under greater pressure to assess, treat and discharge patients within time limits. This article describes the introduction of a rapid assessment team in an ED in Adelaide, Australia, which assesses patients at triage and treats them until space is available in the main department, thereby improving access and patient flow.
authors: Modbury Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia. tracy.edwards@health.sa.gov.au
authors: Tracy
authors: T
authors: Edwards
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013997:Time Factors; D014218:Triage / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000078329:Workforce