Evaluating Digital Checklists at Emergency Department Triage to Improve Patient Flow A Before-and-After Observational Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of adding digital checkboxes to the electronic triage system in an emergency department to improve patient flow and reduce the total length of stay. This before-and-after observational study compares patient throughput during a pre-intervention phase from May 1st to July 31st, 2026, with a post-intervention phase during the same months in 2027 to minimize seasonal effects. The primary focus is on the total Emergency Department Length of Stay ED LOS. The intervention involves introducing digital anticipatory protocols at triage, which provide nurses with structured options for expected patient management based on acuity. During the pre-intervention phase, patients undergo the standard triage assessment using the Swiss Emergency Triage Scale, while the post-intervention phase adds the digital checkboxes. Patient disposition decisions are tracked using digital tags in electronic health records throughout both phases. Participants are patients aged 18 years and older who register at the emergency department admission desk during the study periods. Researchers monitor outcomes such as total ED length of stay, patients who leave without being seen, 30-day mortality, and transfers to intensive care units. The study observes participants through completion of the ED visit, up to a maximum of 72 hours, with some outcomes followed up to 30 days or 7 days post-visit. This allows assessment of patient flow improvements and safety over time.

Digital Anticipatory Protocols at Triage to Improve ED Flow.