triage

There's a thread here somewhere which describes a variety of logistical approaches. Also check the ENA website for additional discussions on how to setup triage flow.

For how to assign acuity, look to ESI.

http://esitriage.org

thanks

Our triage/front end was redesigned last year. It is "front loaded" meaning well-staffed with 2 RN's for triaging, and a tech to do EKG's and get vitals. The triage RN initiates appropriate orders, then the patient is moved to a workup area. Critical patients go right to a room, vertical patients stay vertical. After blood draw/ iv/ EKG they return to lobby until a treatment area is available. If labwork reveals something - they are prioritized. If they are not stable, they are held in the workup area for the next bed. The workup area is staffed with one RN and one tech. This way the RN can medicate if needed. We also have a RN that is responsible for the lobby patients. Re-vitaling or simply eye-balling them for any changes and placing them as rooms become available. This RN also watches for abnormal labs. Our ratio is 1:4, but usually most of your patients arrive to room with labs & EKG already done. There are times that ambo's will go right to a room - but there is supplemental staff to assist in the workup process. Overall its working.