Triage nurse‐initiated X‐rays for limb injuries are accurate and efficient

Abstract

To estimate the potential reduction in waiting times for patients resulting from triage nurse‐initiated X‐rays. To compare the pattern of X‐ray ordering by triage nurses and medical staff. To estimate the accuracy of triage nurse‐initiated X‐rays. Prospective, blinded descriptive/comparative study with nursing intervention on an ‘intention to treat’ basis. Triage nurse‐initiated X‐rays would have identified 96% of fractures. Nurses would have ordered fewer X‐rays than doctors with an efficiency rate (number of fractures/number of X‐rays) of 41% compared with 36% for doctors. A conservative estimate of the potential time saving for patients is an average of 46 minutes. Triage nurse‐initiated ..