title: Improving patient safety through the introduction of a formal triage process.
abstract: Emergency departments (EDs) in the UK are facing unprecedented increases in attendance, and the ability to safely assess, diagnose, treat, refer or discharge patients is a national challenge. This article discusses one component of a comprehensive ED strategy created to address serious concerns identified by regulators and develop and improve services in the department at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Kent.
authors.affiliation: Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham, Kent, England.
authors.forename: Cliff
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.affiliation: Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham, Kent, England.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Gillingham, Kent, England.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000592:standards*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000592:standards*; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D014218:Triage / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: change project; emergency nurse; meet and greet; navigation; patient safety; streaming; triage