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World Journal of Emergency Medicine ›› 2011, Vol. 2 ›› Issue (4): 279-282.doi: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2011.04.006

• Original Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Application of emergency severity index in pediatric emergency department

Lei Wang(), Hong Zhou, Jing-fang Zhu   

  1. International Department, Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100045, China
  • Received:2011-05-22 Accepted:2011-10-15 Online:2011-12-15 Published:2011-12-15
  • Contact: Lei Wang E-mail:lei.wang@ncich.com.cn

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The purpose of triage is to identify patients needing immediate resuscitation, to assign patients to a pre-designed patient care area, and to initiate diagnostic/therapeutic measures as appropriate. This study aimed to use emergency severity index (ESI) in a pediatric emergency room.
METHODS: From July 2006 to August 2010, a total of 21 904 patients visited the International Department of Beijing Children's Hospital. The ESI was measured by nurses and physicians, and compared using SPSS.
RESULTS: Nurses of the hospital took approximately 2 minutes for triage. The results of triage made by nurses were similar to those made by doctors for ESI in levels 1-3 patients. This finding indicated that the nurses are able to identify severe pediatric cases.
CONCLUSION: In pediatric emergency rooms, ESI is a suitable tool for identifying severe cases and then immediate interventions can be performed accordingly.

Key words: Pediatrics, Emergency Department, Triage, Emergency severity index