Training for the role of triage in Australasia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the prerequisite experience and training undertaken by nurses for the role of triage in emergency departments in Australasia. METHODS: Postal survey of charge nurses/unit nurse managers of all Australasian emergency departments accredited for specialist emergency physician training by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. RESULTS: The response rate was 89%. The most common duration of prerequisite experience was 12-18 months. Most programmes use a combination of educational activities, with self-directed learning packages, lectures and mentored experience being the most common. Three hospitals reported no preparation for triage. CONCLUSION: In Australasi..