Assessment of nursing students' level of knowledge on triage practices

Objective: This study was designed in order to assess nursing students' level of knowledge on triage practices, and accordingly make suggestions to elevate their level of knowledge. Material and Method: This is a descriptive study, conducted with 410 students studying nursing at a university in İstanbul. The data were collected using questionnaires prepared by the researchers through the study of relevant literature. Results: In the Level of Knowledge on Triage Practices Questionnaire, the average of correct answer score was found 6.08±2.32, while the average of correct answer percentage was 66,3%. The average of correct answer score obtained from Level of Knowledge on Five Categories Triage System Questionnaire was found 5.16±2.01, while the average of correct answer percentage was 87.3%. Sophomore students' average of correct answer score of triage practices was found to be higher than that of junior and senior students (p<0.05). It was also found that female students had a higher level of knowledge on triage system vis-a-vis male students (p<0.05). Results: There is a strong need to improve students' knowledge on assessment criteria employed in triage practices, and on giving priority to cases based on their emergency. In this regard, it is recommended that simulation trainings are made using visual learning aids such as videos. In addition to theoretical trainings, some activities are performed to keep nursing students' knowledge fresh, such as triage games and role plays. Key Words: Triage, nurse, student, knowledge, emergency department