The influence of nurse allocated triage category on the care of patients with sepsis in the emergency department: A retrospective review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 'Gold standard' sepsis care encompasses the recognition and treatment of sepsis within one hour of emergency department (ED) presentation. Early treatment of patients with sepsis reduces mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the effect that the nurse allocated Australasian Triage Scale (ATS) Category allocation had on ED patient treatment for severe sepsis and septic shock. METHODS: A two-year retrospective observational cohort study from a single major metropolitan ED, including all patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included in this study. Sepsis was recognised at triage for the majority of patients (n=38, 63%), and most were all..