Knowledge of Emergency Department Triage nurses in management of patients with mental health needs: comparisons with the Triage Model of Lazio (TLM).

OBJECTIVES

To refer the current competences of Triage Nurses (TRNs) assessing the person with metal health problems in Emergency Departments (ED), and the impact of the Triage Lazio Model (TLM) upon it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An anonymous questionnaire was administered to ED TRNs of the Lazio Region. Standardized Cronbach's alpha was used for reliability estimation.

RESULTS

The Cronbach's alpha was 0.4. Two hundred ninety-nine TRNs were interviewed: 66% women, 47% aged 31-40 years, 60% followed TLM. The consideration of the patient as 'one who comes out of the normal', 'a person with altered functions of mind or mental function' and as 'hostile, aggressive and unpredictable' was reported more by females in comparison to the males (OR=1.76; OR=3.50; OR=1.79); TRNs who have not followed the course on TLM had higher probability to consider 'hostile, aggressive and unpredictable' the psychiatric patients (OR=1.87) in comparison with other Triage courses; those who have taken a course on Triage but at least 3 years ago, had a lower probability to consider as 'one who comes out of the normal' (OR=0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

having followed the course TLM, having participated in a recent triage course, male gender, and the seniority in this job appear to be contributing factors for a proper management of psychiatric patients. Continuous improvement of specific knowledge and skills for the management of patients with mental health needs are mandatory.