Activity, triage levels and impact of the pandemic on hospital emergency departments: A multicentre cross-sectional study.

AIM: Describe the activity of hospital emergency departments (EDs) and the sociodemographic profile of patients in the eight public hospitals in Spain, according to the different triage levels, and to analyse the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on patient flow. DESIGN: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was carried out. METHODS: Three high-tech public hospitals and five low-tech hospitals consecutively included 2,332,654 adult patients seen in hospital EDs from January 2018 to December 2021. Hospitals belonging to the Catalan Institute of Health. The main variable was triage level, classified according to a standard for the Spanish structured triage system known as Sistema Español de Triaje. For each of the five triage levels, a negative binomial regression model adjusted for year and hospital was performed. The analysis was performed with the R 4.2.2 software. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.4 years. 51.4% were women. The distribution of patients according to the five triage levels was: level 1, 0.41% (n = 9565); level 2, 6.10% (n = 142,187); level 3, 40.2% (n = 938,203); level 4, 42.6% (n = 994,281); level 5, 10.6% (n = 248,418). The sociodemographic profile was similar in terms of gender and age: as the level of severity decreased, the number of women, mostly young, increased. In the period 2020-2021, the emergency rate increased for levels 1, 2 and 3, but levels 4 and 5 remained stable. CONCLUSION: More than half of the patients attended in high-technology hospital EDs were of low severity. The profile of these patients was that of a young, middle-aged population, mostly female. The SARS-CoV2 pandemic did not change this pattern, but an increase in the level of severity was observed. IMPACT: What problem did the study address? There is overcrowding in hospital EDs. What were the main findings? This study found that more than half of the patients attended in high-technology hospital EDs in Spain have low or very low levels of severity. Young, middle-aged women were more likely to visit EDs with low levels of severity. The SARS-CoV2 pandemic did not change this pattern, but an increase in severity was observed. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? The research will have an impact on the functioning of hospital EDs and their staff. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Not applicable.

[COVID-19 pandemic impact on primary care emergency services activity: Comparative study between 2019 and 2020 periods]. / Impacto de la pandemia de la COVID-19 en la actividad de los servicios de urgencias de atención primaria: estudio comparativo entre periodos de 2019 y 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the care provided by primary care emergency services during the COVID19 lockdown (March-June 2020) and the same period in 2019. DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study. SETTING: Basic Health Area of Granada. POPULATION: 10.790 emergency reports, 3.319 in 2020 and 7.471 in 2019. OUTCOMES: Age, sex, service, shifts, referrals, priority levels, care times, previous processes, and reasons for consultation. T-Student and Chi Square were used for continuous and categorical variables. Effect size (Cohen's d) and OR along with 95% CI were calculated. RESULTS: The patients attended by primary care emergency services decreased in 2020 compared to 2019, but the percentage of Priority V cases (p<0.01), home discharges (p=0.01) and hospital transfers (p<0.01) increased, and referrals to family doctors (p<0.01) decreased. In 2020, the percentage of emergencies at night (p<0.01) and in low-income neighborhoods (p<0.01) increased. Waiting time for classification decreased (p<0.01), but total care time increased in 2020 (p<0.01). The patients seen in 2020 were older (p<.001), and with a greater number of previous processes (p<0.01), highlighting patients with anxiety, depression, or somatization (p<0.01) and diabetes (p=0.041). Consultations related to various symptoms of COVID19, mental health problems and chronic pathologies increased. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care emergency services offer additional advantages in situations such as the COVID19 pandemic, as they allow channeling part of the health demand.

Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Triage Care in Hospital Emergency Departments: Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Perceived quality of patient care is essential in healthcare, particularly in Hospital Emergency Departments (EDs), where the triage process, performed by nurses, is fundamental yet under-researched. The aim is to explore patient satisfaction in triage, identify improvement opportunities, and provide guidance for future research to enhance ED care. METHODOLOGY: A scoping review was conducted across databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, Joanna Briggs, Google, and Google Scholar. Empirical articles from January 2014 to December 2023 were selected, excluding non-face-to-face triage, pediatrics, and aspects not related to nursing care. RESULTS: Six studies were included, demonstrating a high level of patient satisfaction with triage, especially regarding nurses' skills and professional competence, courtesy, respect, interest, and empathy. However, pain management and confidence in treatment scored lower. Patient satisfaction was related to age, gender, reason for consultation, and perception of nurses' professional competence. DISCUSSION: Similar opinions were observed regarding areas for improvement in care and nurses' skills in triage. The need for qualitative research and more rigorous sampling methods was highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse training and education in triage are crucial for patient satisfaction. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions in triage and address remaining challenges.

Value of the soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor as a predictor of prognosis in patients attended in hospital emergency departments. / Capacidad del biomarcador suPAR para estratificar el pronóstico en pacientes atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the value of the soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) for predicting outcomes in emergency department (ED) patients. Secondary objectives were 1) to measure the predictive value of the usual decision points, 2) to identify patients at low risk for mortality who could be safely discharged from the ED, and 3) to measure the correlation between suPAR and other biomarkers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study of patients attended in the EDs of participating hospitals. We recorded sociodemographic variables, comorbidity, variables related to the acute episode, prognostic markers commonly used in EDs, and suPAR concentration. Outcome variables were the need for hospital admission during the index episode, ED revisits within 90 days, and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 990 patients with a median (interquartile range) age of 68 (53-81 years) were studied; 50.8% were men. The median suPAR concentration was 3.8 (2.8-6.0) ng/mL, and 112 patients (11.31%) required admission. At 90 days there were 276 revisits (27.9% of the cohort), and 47 patients (4.74%) had died. Mortality was lower (1%) in patients with suPAR concentrations less than 4 ng/mL (52.5%), and fewer of these patients revisited (24.4%) or required hospitalization (20.6%) than patients with suPAR concentrations higher than 6 ng/mL (mortality, 13.5%; revisits, 39.6%; admissions, 56.3%). A suPAR concentration over 6 ng/mL was associated with 90-day mortality and revisits (adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CIs of 4.61 [1.68-12.67] and 1.59 [1.13-2.10]), respectively. The high suPAR concentration was also associated with hospital admission (odds ratio, 1.62 [0.99-2.62]). CONCLUSION: A suPAR concentration of less than 4 ng/mL identifies patients at low risk of 90-day mortality and revisits or need for hospitalization, whereas a suPAR concentration higher than 6 ng/mL is associated with higher risk for these outcomes.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la capacidad del receptor soluble del activador del plasminógeno tipo uroquinasa (suPAR) para la estratificación pronóstica en pacientes atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH). Los objetivos secundarios son: 1) medir la capacidad de los `puntos de decisión habituales, 2) identificar una población de bajo riesgo de mortalidad que puede darse de alta de forma segura desde el SUH, y 3) medir la correlación entre suPAR y otros biomarcadores. METODO: Estudio observacional de cohortes prospectivo de pacientes atendidos en SUH. Se registraron variables sociodemográficas, de comorbilidad, datos del episodio agudo, biomarcadores de uso común en urgencias y suPAR. Las variables de resultado fueron la necesidad de ingreso en el episodio índice, reconsulta al SUH y mortalidad a los 90 días. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 990 pacientes, la edad fue de 68 (53-81) años, 50,8% eran hombres, la mediana de suPAR fue de 3,8 (2,8-6,0) ng/ml, 112 pacientes (11,31%) requirieron ingreso. En el seguimiento a 90 días hubo 276 reconsultas (27,9%) y 47 pacientes (4,74%) fallecieron. Los pacientes con suPAR 4 ng/ml (52,5%) tenían menor mortalidad (1%), menor reconsulta (24,4%) y menor necesidad de ingreso hospitalario (20,6%), que pacientes con suPAR 6 ng/ml (mortalidad 13,5%, reconsulta 39,6% e ingreso 56,3%). Un suPAR 6 ng/ml mostró una hazard ratio (IC 95%) ajustada de 4,61 (1,68-12,67) para predecir mortalidad a 90 días y de 1,59 (1,13-2,10) para la reconsulta, y una odds ratio de 1,62 (0,99-2,62) para la necesidad de ingreso hospitalario. CONCLUSIONES: Un valor de suPAR 4 ng/ml identifica pacientes con riesgo bajo de mortalidad a 90 días, de reconsulta y de necesidad de ingreso, mientras que los pacientes con suPAR 6 ng/ml tienen mayor mortalidad, reconsulta y necesidad de ingreso.

[Analysis of the XIDE system in the management of overdemand for care]. / Análisis del sistema XIDE en la gestión de la sobredemanda asistencial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact and suitability of the XIDE citation system in the management of over-demand for care at the Monforte de Lemos Health Center (Lugo, Spain). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional, observational and analytical study. The study population was the patients with appointments to the elderly in the ordinary agenda as «forced¼ or «urgent forced¼. The population sample was obtained during the period from July 15 to August 15, 2022. The comparative analysis was performed with periods prior to the implementation of XIDE and the XIDE/observer concordance was estimated by calculating Cohen's kappa index. RESULTS: We observed an increase in care pressure, both in the number of consultations/day and in the proportion of forced consultations, which have increased by 30-34%. The group over 85 years of age and women are the majority in excess demand. The 83.04% of urgent consultations were cited through the XIDE system, the most frequent reason for consultation being «suspected COVID¼ (24.64%), with a concordance of 51.4% in this group and 65.5% globally. We appreciate a high overtriage in the assigned attention times, even when the reason for consultation coincides, with a poor statistical concordance with the observers. The high proportion in the overdemand of patients belonging to other places in the health center stands out, so that adequate management of human resources with adequate coverage of absences would reduce it by 48.5%, while the XIDE system (in the ideal assumption of absolute concordance) would only manage to reduce it by 43%. CONCLUSIONS: The low reliability of the XIDE is mainly due to inadequate triage, rather than the failure to reduce overdemand, so it cannot replace a triage system performed by health personnel.

Study about the Manchester Triage System subtriage in patients that visited the Emergency Department due to headache.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is a frequent cause of consultation; it is important to detect patients with secondary headache, particularly high-risk secondary headache. Such systems as the Manchester Triage System (MTS) are used for this purpose. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of undertriage in patients attending the emergency department due to headache. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a series of consecutive patients who came to the emergency department with headache and presenting some warning sign, defined as the presence of signs leading the physician to request an emergency neuroimaging study and/or assessment by the on-call neurologist. The reference diagnosis was established by neurologists. We evaluated the MTS triage level assigned and the presence of warning signs that may imply a higher level than that assigned. RESULTS: We registered a total of 1120 emergency department visits due to headache, and 248 patients (22.8%) were eligible for study inclusion. Secondary headache was diagnosed in 126 cases (50.8% of the sample; 11.2% of the total), with 60 cases presenting high-risk secondary headache (24.2%; 5.4%). According to the MTS, 2 patients were classified as immediate (0.8%), 26 as very urgent (10.5%), 147 as urgent (59.3%), 68 as normal (27.4%), and 5 as not urgent (2%). The percentage of patients undertriaged was 85.1% in the very urgent classification level and 23.3% in the urgent level. CONCLUSION: During the study period, at least one in 10 patients attending the emergency department due to headache had secondary headache; one in 20 had high-risk secondary headache. The MTS undertriaged most patients with warning signs suggesting a potential emergency.

Radiography-based triage for COVID-19 in the Emergency Department in a Spanish cohort of patients.

BACKGROUND: Strategies to determine who could be safely discharged home from the Emergency Department (ED) in COVID-19 are needed to decongestion healthcare systems. OBJECTIVES: To describe the outcomes of an ED triage system for non-severe patients with suspected COVID-19 and possible pneumonia based on chest X-ray (CXR) upon admission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, single-center study performed in Barcelona (Spain) during the COVID-19 peak in March-April 2020. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms and potential pneumonia, without respiratory insufficiency, with priority class IV-V (Andorran triage model) had a CXR upon admission. This approach tried to optimize resource use and to facilitate discharges. The results after adopting this organizational approach are reported. RESULTS: We included 834 patients, 53% were female. Most patients were white (66%) or Hispanic (27%). CXR showed pneumonia in 523 (62.7%). Compared to those without pneumonia, patients with pneumonia were older (55 vs 46.6 years old) and had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (1.9 vs 1.3). Patients with pneumonia were at a higher risk for a combined outcome of admission and/or death (91 vs 12%). Death rates tended to be numerically higher in the pneumonia group (10 vs 1). Among patients without pneumonia in the initial CXR, 10% reconsulted (40% of them with new pneumonia). CONCLUSION: CXR identified pneumonia in a significant number of patients. Those without pneumonia were mostly discharged. Mortality among patients with an initially negative CXR was low. CXR triage for pneumonia in non-severe COVID-19 patients in the ED can be an effective strategy to optimize resource use.

Model to predict risk for hospital admission and indicate the safety of reverse triage in a hospital emergency department: a prospective validation study. / Validación prospectiva de un modelo predictivo de ingreso y orientar la seguridad de la derivación inversa desde el triaje de los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively validate a model to predict hospital admission of patients given a low-priority classification on emergency department triage and to indicate the safety of reverse triage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center observational study of a prospective cohort to validate a risk model incorporating demographic and emergency care process variables as well as vital signs. The cohort included emergency visits from patients over the age of 15 years with priority level classifications of IV and V according to the Andorran-Spanish triage system (Spanish acronym, MAT-SET) between October 2018 and June 2019. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the model was calculated to evaluate discrimination. Based on the model, we identified cut-off points to distinguish patients with low, intermediate, or high risk for hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 2110 emergencies were included in the validation cohort; 109 patients (5.2%) were hospitalized. The median age was 43.5 years (interquartile range, 31-60.3 years); 55.5% were female. The AUC was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.64-0.75). The model identified 357 patients (16.9%) at low risk of hospitalization and 240 (11.4%) at high risk. A total of 15.8% of the high-risk patients and 2.8% of the low-risk patients were hospitalized. CONCLUSION: The validated model is able to identify risk for hospitalization among patients classified as low priority on triage. Patients identified as having high risk of hospitalization could be offered preferential treatment within the same level of priority at triage, while those at low risk of admission could be referred to a more appropriate care level on reverse triage.

OBJETIVO: Validar prospectivamente un modelo predictivo de ingreso hospitalario para los pacientes atendidos en el servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH) con baja prioridad de visita y determinar la capacidad predictiva del modelo para realizar con seguridad la derivación inversa. METODO: Estudio observacional unicéntrico de una cohorte prospectiva de validación de un modelo predictivo basado en variables demográficas, de proceso y las constantes vitales (modelo 3). Se incluyeron los episodios de pacientes >15 años con prioridades IV y V MAT-SET atendidos entre octubre 2018 y junio 2019. Se evaluó la discriminación mediante el área bajo la curva de la característica operativa del receptor (ABC). Para determinar la capacidad de discriminación se crearon 3 categorías de riesgo: bajo, intermedio y alto. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 2.110 episodios, de los cuales 109 (5,2%) ingresaron. La mediana de edad fue de 43,5 años (RIC 31-60,3) con un 55,5% de mujeres. El ABC fue de 0,71 (IC 95%: 0,64-0,75). Según el modelo predictivo, 357 episodios (16,9%) puntuaron de bajo riesgo de ingreso y 240 (11,4%) de alto riesgo. El porcentaje de ingreso observado de los pacientes clasificados de alto riesgo fue de 15,8% mientras que el de los pacientes de bajo riego fue de 2,8%. CONCLUSIONES: El modelo predictivo validado permite estratificar el riesgo de ingreso de los pacientes con baja prioridad de visita. Los pacientes con alto riesgo de ingreso se les podría ofrecer una atención preferente dentro del mismo nivel de prioridad, mientras que los de bajo riesgo podrían ser redirigidos al recurso asistencial más adecuado (derivación inversa).

Early detection of risk for clinical deterioration in emergency department patients: validation of a version of the National Early Warning Score 2 for use in Spain. / Validación en España de la escala National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS-2) para la detección precoz en urgencias de pacientes en riesgo de deterioro.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the ability of a Spanish translation of the National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) to predict hospitalizations and adverse events during triage in hospital emergency departments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study in 2 phases. Phase 1 took place in October and November 2019 and phase 2 in January and February 2020. Phase 1 involved the translation and back translation process to produce an adapted Spanish version of the NEWS2 tool, the piloting of the adapted tool, and training sessions for nurses on how to use the scale. Phase 2 was a validation study of the translated scale for use in Spain. We analyzed its psychometric properties and capacity to predict adverse events and hospital admissions. Adult patients (over the age of 18 years) were recruited consecutively in a hospital emergency department in Spain. RESULTS: We evaluated 523 patients, 81 in phase 1 and 442 in phase 2. The validated Spanish language version of the NEWS2 tool achieved a Cronbach α score of 0.70. The intraclass correlation coefficients for intra- and inter-observer reliability, respectively, were 0.996 (95% CI, 0.995-0.997) and approaching 1 (95% CI, 0.999-1). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.969 (95% CI, 0.938-1) for adverse events and 0.881 (95% CI, 0.819-0.943) for hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The ability of the Spanish version of the NEWS2 scale to predict hospital admissions and adverse events is high when used during hospital emergency department triage.

OBJETIVO: Conocer la capacidad predictiva en términos de ingresos hospitalarios y de aparición de eventos adversos de la escala de alerta temprana National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS-2) en la consulta de triaje de los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH). METODO: Estudio observacional prospectivo dividido en dos fases: Fase I (octubre-noviembre 2019) y Fase II (enero-febrero 2020). En la Fase I se llevó a cabo un proceso de traducción-retrotraducción, se formó al personal de Enfermería en el manejo de la escala NEWS-2 adaptada al español, y se realizó un pilotaje de la escala. En la Fase II se procedió a la validación de la escala analizando sus propiedades psicométricas y predictivas en términos de aparición de eventos adversos e ingresos hospitalarios. Se incluyeron consecutivamente a los usuarios adultos (mayores de 18 años) de un SUH en España. RESULTADOS: Se valoraron 523 pacientes, 81 en la fase I y 442 en la fase II. La versión de la escala NEWS-2 en español obtenida tras el proceso de validación mostró un valor de alfa Cronbach de 0,70. El coeficiente de correlación intraclase para la fiabilidad intra e interobservador fue de 0,996 (IC 95%: 0,995-0,997) y 1 (IC 95%: 0,999-1), respectivamente. El área bajo la curva de la característica operativa del receptor fue de 0,969 (IC 95%: 0,938-1) para eventos adversos y de 0,881 (IC 95%: 0,819-0,943) para ingreso hospitalario. CONCLUSIONES: La escala NEWS-2 tiene alta capacidad predictiva de ingresos hospitalarios y eventos adversos cuando se aplica en la consulta de triaje de los SUH.

Analysis of the validity of the five-level TRIPED-GM paediatric triage system.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity of the five-level TRIPED-GM pediatric triage system. METHODS: Unicentric, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study of 485 patients aged 0-16 years in the pediatric emergency department of the HGU Gregorio Marañon. Two measures of validity were used: a direct measure calculated by the sensitivity and specificity obtained based on the number of infratriages and overtriages of the priorities given by classification nurses compared with a panel of experts and another indirect measure by the length of stay, the resources consumed and the percentage of income for each priority level. RESULTS: 10 patients were incorrectly classified, 4 (0.8%) were considered infratriages and 6 (1.2%) overtriages. The results showed a sensitivity of 99.45% (95% CI 96.5-99.97%) and a specificity of 99.01% (95% CI 96.9-99.7%) for high priorities (P2 and P3) and 98.99% (95% CI 96.8-99.6%) and 98.4% (95% CI 96.84-99.74%) respectively for low priorities (P4 and P5). The quadratic weighted Kappa index was 0.96 (95% CI 0.94-0.98; p = 0.0000). Resource consumption showed moderate Spearman correlation coefficients as the priority level increased. The percentage of admissions and the need for observation increased as the priority level p = 0,000 increased, not requiring observation or admitting any patients with priority 5. CONCLUSIONS: The TRIPED-GM pediatric triage system is valid for use in emergency departments with similar patients.

Undertriage of patients requiring direct admission to intensive care from the emergency department for medical conditions: impact on prognosis and associated factors. / Infratriaje en urgencias de pacientes que precisan ingreso directo en cuidados intensivos por enfermedades médicas: impacto en el pronóstico y factores asociados.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether undertriage affects the outcome for patients requiring direct admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) from the emergency department due to a medical condition. To identify factors associated with undertriage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients treated in 2018 for medical emergencies requiring direct admission to the ICU from the emergency department. The cases were classified in 2 groups according to the assigned triage level. Underestimation was defined as a triage level of III or more. Independent variables were demographic and epidemiologic data and indicators of severity recorded in the emergency department. The main outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, prolonged ICU stay, and prolonged hospital stay. RESULTS: We included 470 patients with a median age of 68 years (first-third quartile range, 57-78 years); 61.1% were men, and 151 (32.1%) were undertriaged. Factors directly related to undertriage according to odds ratios (ORs) were age (OR = 1.017; 95% CI, 1.003-1.032), Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score of 0 or 1 (OR = 1.761; 95% CI, 1.038-2.988), ratio of oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen greater than 300 (OR = 2.447; 95% CI, 1.418-4.223), a diagnosis of infection (OR = 5.003, 95% CI 2.727-9.188) whether respiratory (OR = 3.993, 95% CI 1.919-8.310) or other (OR = 1.980, 95% CI, 1.036-3.785) versus a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Factors inversely related to undertriage were admission during the afternoon (OR = 0.512, 95% CI, 0.306-0.856) and ambulance transfer (OR = 0.373; 95% CI, 0.232-0.600). Ninety patients (19.1%) died within 30 days. Undertriage was not related to 30-day mortality or the other outcomes analyzed. CONCLUSION: Undertriage was not associated with a worse outcome in patients requiring direct admission to the ICU for a medical emergency. The factors we found to be associated with undertriage, such as patient age and time of day admitted, merit special attention given that these factors should not be affecting the triage process.

OBJETIVO: Determinar si el infratriaje tiene impacto pronóstico en pacientes que requieren ingreso desde urgencias en cuidados intensivos por enfermedad médica e identificar factores asociados. METODO: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes atendidos durante 2018 por enfermedades médicas con ingreso directo en cuidados intensivos desde urgencias. Se clasificaron en dos grupos en función del nivel de triaje asignado y se consideró infratriaje un nivel de triaje III. Las variables independientes incluyeron datos demográficos, epidemiológicos e indicadores de gravedad en urgencias. Se registró la mortalidad a los 30 días (objetivo primario), así como la mortalidad hospitalaria, el ingreso prolongado en cuidados intensivos o el ingreso prolongado hospitalario (objetivos secundarios). RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 470 pacientes [edad 68 años (rango 57-78), 61,1% hombres] de los que 151 (32,1%) formaban el grupo con infratriaje. Los factores relacionados con el infratriaje fueron la edad (OR = 1,017; IC 95% 1,003- 1,032), indicador qSOFA 0-1 (OR = 1,761; IC 95% 1,038-2,988), índice SpO2/FiO2 > 300 (OR = 2,447; IC 95% 1,418- 4,223) y el diagnóstico de infección (OR = 5,003; IC 95% 2,727-9,188), respiratorio (OR = 3,993; IC 95% 1,919-8,310) u otro (OR = 1,980; IC 95% 1,036-3,785) respecto al diagnóstico cardiovascular, mientras que la admisión en horario de tarde (OR = 0,512; IC 95% 0,306-0,856) o el traslado en ambulancia (OR = 0,373; IC 95% 0,232- 0,600) se relacionaron de forma inversa con el infratriaje. El evento mortalidad a 30 días tuvo lugar en 90 pacientes (19,1%). El infratriaje no se relacionó con la mortalidad a 30 días ni con el resto de los objetivos analizados. CONCLUSIONES: El infratriaje no se relacionó con un peor pronóstico en pacientes con ingreso directo en intensivos por enfermedad médica. Se han identificado factores relacionados con el infratriaje, como la edad o el horario de admisión que merecen una atención especial, ya que no deberían afectar el proceso de triaje.

The latin american Saint Elian wound score system (sewss) for the triage of the diabetic foot attack.

To review the global and regional contributions of the Saint Elian Wound Score System (SEWSS) for the diabetic foot syndrome are the aim of this report. The update includes definitions, classification, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention to reduce amputations and mortality. From its local use in Mexico to their global spread as part of the Clinical Practice Recommendations of the Diabetic Foot - International Diabetes Federation-2017, the SEWSS has achieved a significant acceptance for the diabetic foot problem care in Latin America. The concept includes the triage of severity grades system for the five types of Diabetic Foot Attack (DFA) due to ischemia, infection, edema, neuropathy (Charcot), or a mixed combination. Persons with Diabetes Mellitus may progress from the low-risk stage to foot attack that may remite to a high risk stage or conversely, evolve to a major amputation or death. The DFA progressive stages (I-III) are described in this review. The clinical details provided by the assessment of the 10 Saint Elian factors permit a rationale therapeutic approach with relevance in prevention and medical treatment and not focused only on wound care avoiding bias originated by specialty-related preferences.

El propósito de este informe es revisar las contribuciones regionales y mundiales del Sistema de San Elian para el Síndrome del Pie Diabético. Esta actualización incluye definiciones, clasificación, diagnóstico, pronóstico, tratamiento y prevención para reducir las amputaciones y su mortalidad. Desde su aplicación local en Mexico hasta su difusión mundial como parte fundamental de las Recomendaciones de Práctica Clínica del Pie Diabético- Federación Internacional de Diabetes 2017, el sistema ha alcanzado una aceptación significativa para la atención del Pie Diabético en Latinoamérica. El concepto incluye el triage urgente por la diferenciación de la gravedad que proporciona el sistema para los cinco tipos de Ataque Del Pie Diabético (APD): isquemico, infeccioso, edema grave, neuropatia (Charcot) y el mixto. Los pacientes con DM-2 pueden evolucionar desde un pie con bajo riesgo hasta un APD que logre remitir a una etapa de riesgo alto o que finalmente evolucione a amputacion mayor y/o muerte. Se describen las etapas evolutivas (I-III). La detallada evaluación que proporciona los 10 factores de San Elian permiten un abordaje terapéutico racional con relevancia en la prevención y el tratamiento médico sin centrarse erróneamente en el cuidado de heridas.

Implementation of the Spanish Triage System in the emergency departments of public health service hospitals in Andalusia, Spain. / Implantación del Sistema Español de Triaje (SET) en los servicios de urgencias generales de los hospitales públicos de Andalucía (España).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the process of implementing the Spanish Triage System (SET, in its Spanish abbreviation) in nonspecialist hospital emergency departments (EDs) in the public health service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicenter cross-sectional study at 4 time cut-points (6 months before implementation and at the end of 1, 2 and 3 semesters afterwards). The study was carried out in 29 public hospital EDs in Andalusia. We recorded the following data: type of hospital, proportion of cases in which the SET was applied, priority classifications assigned on triage, wait time before triage, and duration of the triage process. We also recorded the following proportions: patients waiting less than 10 minutes for the assigned priority, cases with a triage processing time less than 5 minutes, ED revisits within 72 hours, ED deaths, and patients leaving before discharge. RESULTS: We saw SET use increase progressively over the 3 semesters. The mean wait time decreased, and the proportion of patients waiting less than 10 minutes increased. The mean triage processing time tended to decrease nonsignificantly as the proportion of cases triaged in less than 5 minutes rose. The proportion of patients leaving before discharge increased with time; in overall and by hospital type. The proportion of ED deaths did not change significantly, and revisits within 72 hours increased only in more complex hospitals (P = .019). CONCLUSION: Implementing a structured triage approach like SET is a gradual process. Quality indicators must be followed over time so that the impact of a triage system on ED care processes can be assessed.

OBJETIVO: Describir el proceso de implantación del Sistema Español de Triaje (SET) en los servicios de urgencias de un Sistema Público de Salud. METODO: Estudio multicéntrico, transversal analítico, con 4 cortes temporales (6 meses preimplantación y 3 semestres siguientes) realizado sobre 29 servicios de urgencias de hospitales (SUH) públicos de Andalucía. Se recogió el tipo de hospital, la proporción de uso del SET, de pacientes clasificados según la prioridad, el tiempo de espera para la clasificación (TECLA) y de duración de esta (TICLA); la proporción de pacientes con TECLA menor de 10 min (PTECLA < 10 min) y con TICLA menor de 5 min (Pticla < 5 min); y la proporción de retornos a urgencias en las siguientes 72 horas, de fallecimientos en urgencias y de fugas del SUH. RESULTADOS: Se observó un incremento progresivo del uso del SET durante los sucesivos periodos, una disminución del TECLA y aumento de la PTECLA < 10 min. El TICLA disminuyó no significativamente con aumento de la pTICLA < 5 min. La proporción de fugas se incrementó globalmente y por tipo de hospital a lo largo de los sucesivos períodos. La proporción de fallecimientos en urgencias no se modificó significativamente y la proporción de retornos en las siguientes 72 horas solo se incrementó significativamente en los hospitales de mayor complejidad (p = 0,019). CONCLUSIONES: La implantación de un sistema estructurado de triaje como el SET es un proceso paulatino que requiere la monitorización de indicadores para conocer el impacto que va teniendo sobre la dinámica asistencial del SUH.

Study about the Manchester Triage System subtriage in patients that visited the Emergency Department due to headache. / Estudio sobre el subtriaje del Sistema de Triaje de Manchester en pacientes que acuden a Urgencias por cefalea.

INTRODUCTION: Headache is a frequent cause of consultation; it is important to detect patients with secondary headache, particularly high-risk secondary headache. Such systems as the Manchester Triage System (MTS) are used for this purpose. This study aims to evaluate the frequency of sub-triage in patients attending the Emergency Department due to headache. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a series of consecutive patients who came to the Emergency Department with headache and presenting some warning sign, defined as the presence of signs leading the physician to request an emergency neuroimaging study and/or assessment by the on-call neurologist. The reference diagnosis was established by neurologists. We evaluated the MTS triage level assigned and the presence of warning signs that may imply a higher level than that assigned. RESULTS: We registered a total of 1,120 emergency department visits due to headache, and 248 patients (22.8%) were eligible for study inclusion. Secondary headache was diagnosed in 126 cases (50.8% of the sample; 11.2% of the total), with 60 cases presenting high-risk secondary headache (24.2%; 5.4%). According to the MTS, two patients were classified as immediate (0.8%), 26 as very urgent (10.5%), 147 as urgent (59.3%), 68 as normal (27.4%), and five as not urgent (2%). The percentage of patients under-triaged was 85.1% in the very urgent classification level and 23.3% in the urgent level. CONCLUSION: During the study period, at least one in 10 patients attending the Emergency Department due to headache had secondary headache; one in 20 had high-risk secondary headache. The MTS under-triaged most patients with warning signs suggesting a potential emergency.

Predicting hospital admission of patients with emergencies considered low priority according to assigned triage level. / Predicción de ingreso hospitalario en los pacientes con bajo nivel de prioridad de triaje atendidos en un servicio de urgencias.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a model to predict hospital admission of patients in cases assessed as nonurgent or semiurgent on emergency department triage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center observational study of a retrospective cohort. We included cases of patients older than 15 years whose emergency was classified as level IV-V according to the Andorran-Spanish triage model (MAT-SET, the Spanish acronym). Fourteen independent variables included demographic and care process items as well as vital signs. The dependent variable was hospital admission. The regression models were based on generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: A total of 53 860 episodes were included; 3430 patients (6.4%) were admitted. The median (interquartile range) age was 44.5 (31.1-63.9) years, and 54.1% were female. Vital signs were recorded in 19.3% of the episodes. The model that best predicted admission included the following variables: age > 84 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 6.72; 95% CI, 5.26-8.60); male sex (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.28-1.66); referral from a primary care center (aOR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.64-2.29); referral from another acute-care hospital (aOR, 11.22; 95% CI, 4.42-28.51); arrival by ambulance (aOR, 3.72; 95% CI, 3.16-4.40); revisit 72 hours (aOR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.60-2.87); systolic blood pressure $ 150 mmHg (aOR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.97); diastolic blood pressure 60 mmHg (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.25-1.98); axillary temperature > 37°C (aOR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.91-2.74); heart rate > 100 beats/min (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.40-1.96); baseline oxygen saturation in arterial blood (SaO2) 93% (aOR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.86-3.81); and SaO2 93%-95% (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.42-2.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model was 0.82 (95% CI; 95% CI, 0.80-0.83). CONCLUSION: The model predicts which patients are more likely to be admitted after their cases were initially considered nonurgent or semi-urgent on triage. Patients found to be at risk can then be given greater attention than others in the same triage level.

OBJETIVO: Desarrollar un modelo predictivo de ingreso hospitalario desde triaje de los pacientes atendidos en el servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH) con el nivel poco urgente-no urgente de prioridad de visita. METODO: Estudio observacional de cohortes retrospectivo unicéntrico. Se incluyeron los episodios de pacientes > 15 años con niveles IV-V MAT-SET atendidos en un SUH durante 2015. Se evaluaron 14 variables demográficas, datos de proceso y constantes vitales. La variable dependiente fue el ingreso hospitalario. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión basados en ecuaciones de estimación generalizadas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 53.860 episodios, 3.430 (6,4%) ingresaron. La mediana de edad fue de 44,5 años (RIC 31,1-63,9), 54,1% mujeres. Un 19,3% de los episodios tenían registrados las constantes vitales (CV). El modelo con mayor capacidad predictiva incluía las siguientes variables: edad $ 85 años (ORa = 6,72; IC 95%: 5,26-8,60), sexo masculino (ORa = 1,46; IC 95% 1,28-1,66), procedencia de atención primaria (ORa = 1,94; IC 95% 1,64-2,29), de otro hospital de agudos (ORa = 11,22; IC 95% 4,42-28,51), llegada en ambulancia (ORa = 3,72; IC 95%:3,16-4,40), consulta previa a urgencias las 72 horas previas (ORa = 2,15; IC 95% 1,60-2,87), presión arterial sistólica $ 150 mmHg (ORa = 0,83; IC 95%:0,71-0,97), presión arterial diastólica 60 mmHg (ORa = 1,57; IC 95% 1,25-1,98), temperatura axilar > 37ºC (ORa = 2,29; IC 95% 1,91-2,74), frecuencia cardiaca > 100 latidos/minuto (ORa 1,65; IC 95% 1,40-1,96) y saturación basal de oxígeno 93% (ORa = 2,66; IC 95% 1,86-3,81) y 93-95% (ORa = 1,70; IC 95% 1,42-2,05). El área bajo la curva COR fue de 0,82 (IC 95% 0,80-0,83). CONCLUSIONES: Este modelo predictivo permitiría identificar desde el triaje a aquellos pacientes que, siendo poco urgentes o no urgentes, tienen mayor probabilidad de ingreso y darles una atención diferencial dentro del mismo nivel de prioridad.

[Intensive care during the 2019-coronavirus epidemic]. / Cuidados intensivos durante la epidemia de coronavirus 2019.

On 31 December 2019, the Health Commission of Hubei Province of China first unveiled a group of unexplained cases of pneumonia, which WHO subsequently defined as the new coronavirus of 2019 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 has presented rapid person-to-person transmission and is currently a global pandemic. In the largest number of cases described to date of hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 disease (2019-nCoViD), 26% required care in an intensive care unit (ICU). This pandemic is causing an unprecedented mobilization of the scientific community, which has been associated with an exponentially growing number of publications in relation to it. This narrative literature review aims to gather the main contributions in the area of intensive care to date in relation to the epidemiology, clinic, diagnosis and management of 2019-nCoViD.

[Management of patients with lymphatic diseases and lipoedema during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations of the Spanish Group of Lymphology]. / La atención al paciente con patología linfática y lipedema en la pandemia COVID-19. Recomendaciones del Grupo Español de Linfología (GEL).

The COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge to the management of non-COVID pathologies such as lymphatic diseases and lipoedema. The use of telemedicine can prevent the spread of the disease. A system is needed to help determine the clinical priority and selection of face-to-face or telemedicine options for each patient and how to carry them out during the pandemic. The Spanish Lymphology Group has drafted a consensus document with recommendations based on the literature and clinical experience, as clinical practice guidelines for the management of lymphatic abnormalities and lipoedema during the COVID-19 pandemic. These recommendations must be adapted to the characteristics of each patient, the local conditions of the centres, and the decisions of health care professionals. The document contains minimum criteria, subject to modifications according to the evolution of the pandemic, scientific knowledge and instructions from health authorities.

Pediatric televisits and telephone triage: impact on use of a hospital emergency department. / Impacto de las consultas y triajes telefónicos pediátricos en el uso del servicio de urgencias hospitalario.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the characteristics of remote telephone consultations (televisits) and triage of pediatric emergencies attended by the 24-hour emergency service of Catalonia (CatSalut Respon), and to describe the impact of televisits on callers' decisions about whether or not to come to the emergency department and their opinion of the call service. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study. During the call, cases were classified according the Spanish and Andorran triage system. Patients who were sent to the hospital underwent triage again, and the 2 assigned triage levels were compared. The families were later called to check data and ask their opinion of the service. Sociodemographic and clinical data related to the cases were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 370 televisits were made. Most cases (300, 81%) were not emergencies. Seventy-five callers (20.3%) were advised to go to an emergency department. Fever (P = .002) and questions about medication (P < .001) were the problems significantly associated with nonurgent cases. Nearly 46% of the cases classified as serious during telephone triage were also considered serious when the child was brought to the emergency department. The rate of agreement between the 2 triage levels was moderate. Over half the parents stated they had intended to go to the hospital before calling the service; 46% changed their mind based on the call. CONCLUSION: Fever and questions about medication were significantly associated with televisits for nonurgent cases. Nearly half the parents changed their mind about going to the emergency department after a televisit.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las características de las teleconsultas y triajes telefónicos pediátricos atendidos por CatSalut Respon y describir su impacto sobre la actitud y la decisión final de los padres-usuarios de acudir o no a urgencias. METODO: Estudio observacional transversal. Durante la teleconsulta los pacientes se clasificaron según los niveles del sistema español de triaje. Aquellos que fueron derivados a urgencias se volvieron a clasificar en el hospital, y se compararon los niveles de triaje. Posteriormente, se realizó una llamada de verificación. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 370 teleconsultas, fundamentalmente no urgentes (n = 300; 81%). Un 20,3% (n = 75) fueron derivadas a urgencias. La fiebre (p = 0,002) y las dudas de medicación (p < 0,001) fueron motivos significativos de teleconsulta no urgente. Casi un 46% de los casos con niveles de gravedad altos en el triaje de la llamada también fueron clasificados con niveles de gravedad altos en el triaje posterior realizado en el servicio de urgencias hospitalario, mostrando una concordancia moderada. Más del 50% de los padres tenían intención de acudir a urgencias antes de la teleconsulta y un 46% cambiaron de actitud tras realizar esta llamada. CONCLUSIONES: Fiebre y dudas de medicación fueron motivos estadísticamente significativos de teleconsulta no urgente. La consulta telefónica produjo un cambio de actitud en casi la mitad de los padres.

Reflexiones para optimizar el triaje en cirugía / Reflections to optimize triage in surgery

Introducción: La categorización de las urgencias quirúrgicas es una necesidad en razón al continuo desequilibrio entre la oferta y la demanda de servicios quirúrgicos en la mayoría de las instituciones donde se encuentra habilitada la prestación del servicio. Hay abordajes en el tema, con estrategias de priorización de los casos quirúrgicos, que consideran escalas y flujogramas, pero su ausente validez externa y las particularidades de las instituciones y aseguradores, han limitado una generalización de los resultados. Métodos: Se efectúa una conceptualización del triaje de las urgencias quirúrgicas con planteamientos críticos y reflexivos soportados en la evidencia. Se identifican, asimismo, las posibles oportunidades para la investigación. Discusión: Los beneficios potenciales de un triaje quirúrgico en situaciones de urgencia, son extensivos a todos los actores del sistema de salud, disminuyen la posibilidad de desenlaces y repercusiones económicas negativas para las instituciones y los aseguradores. La teoría de las colas ofrece el soporte para un entendimiento del tema y contribuye en las soluciones. Su adopción es escasa como parte de una estrategia local de priorización quirúrgica en un contexto de urgencia. Conclusión:La creación de estrategias que establezcan el triaje para el paciente con una urgencia quirúrgica están influenciadas por la participación continua y efectiva de los actores involucrados en el proceso y en su impacto en los desenlaces clínicos

Introduction: Categorizing surgical emergencies is necessary due to the continued imbalance between the supply and demand of surgical services in most institutions where the service is enabled. There are approaches to the subject, with strategies for prioritizing surgical cases, which consider scales and flowcharts, but their lack of external validity and the particularities of the institutions and insurers have limited the generalization of the results. Methods: A conceptualization of the triage of surgical emergencies is carried out with critical and reflective approaches supported by evidence. Potential research opportunities are also identified. Discussion: The potential benefits of surgical triage in emergent situations are extensive to all health system actors, reducing the possibility of adverse outcomes and economic repercussions for institutions and insurers. Queuing theory offers support for understanding the issue and contributes to solutions. However, its adoption is scarce in an emergency as part of a local surgical prioritization strategy. Conclusion: The creation of strategies that establish triage for the patient with a surgical emergency is influenced by the continuous and effective participation of the actors involved in the process and its impact on clinical outcomes

Barreras y facilitadores en la implementación de un sistema de tele-triaje para la identificación remota de casos sospechosos de COVID-19 por estudiantes voluntarios / Barriers and facilitators in the implementation of a tele-triage system for remote identification of suspected COVID-19 cases by student volunteers

Resumen Introducción. En el Perú el sistema de tele-triaje (STT) conducido por estudiantes voluntarios permitió la identificación remota de casos sospechosos de COVID-19. Sin embargo, aun no se conocen las barreras y facilitadores de su implementación. Objetivos. Describir las barreras y facilitadores sobre la implementación de un sistema de tele-triaje para la identificación de casos sospechosos de COVID-19 en el Perú. Métodos. Se desarrolló un estudio de métodos mixtos que describió las características de los usuarios que participaron en el STT (cuantitativo). También se exploró las percepciones de usuarios y voluntarios respecto a las barreras y facilitadores sobre la implementación de este servicio (cualitativo). Resultados. Entre los 4317 usuarios evaluados por el STT, la edad media fue 36,2 años (desviación estándar: 13,2), 58,6% fueron mujeres y solo el 41,4% fueron clasificados como casos sospechosos de COVID-19. Los voluntarios destacaron que su participación fue facilitada por su disponibilidad de tiempo y deseos de ayudar, aunque señalaron problemas de organización y falta de equipos disponibles para las llamadas. Los usuarios valoraron el apoyo emocional y la claridad de la información brindada, pero expresaron desconfianza sobre la evaluación de COVID-19 de forma remota, y un conocimiento limitado sobre el rol de los voluntarios. Conclusiones. El STT conducido por estudiantes voluntarios pemitió la identificación de casos sospechosos de COVID-19 en el Perú, además sirvió como medio para compartir información. Sin embargo, aspectos de desorganización y desconocimiento por parte de los usuarios fueron percibidos como barreras para su implementación.

ABSTRACT Introduction. In Peru, the tele-triage system (TTS) led by volunteer students allowed for the remote identification of suspected COVID-19 cases. However, the barriers and facilitators of its implementation are still unknown. Objectives. To describe the barriers and facilitators regarding the implementation of a tele-triage system for the identification of suspected COVID-19 cases in Peru. Methods. A mixed methods study was developed that described the characteristics of the users who participated in the TTS (quantitative). It also explored the perceptions of users and volunteers regarding the barriers and facilitators of implementing this service (qualitative). Results. Among the 4,317 users evaluated by the TTS, the average age was 36.2 years (standard deviation: 13.2), 58.6% were women, and only 41.4% were classified as suspected cases of COVID-19. Volunteers highlighted that their participation was facilitated by their availability of time and desire to help, although they noted problems with organization and a lack of equipment available for calls. Users valued the emotional support and clarity of the information provided but expressed mistrust about the remote COVID-19 assessment, and a limited understanding of the volunteers' role. Conclusions. The TTS led by volunteer students allowed for the identification of suspected COVID-19 cases in Peru, and also served as a means to share information. However, aspects of disorganization and a lack of knowledge on the part of users were perceived as barriers to its implementation.