A survey on the knowledge of patients’ companions about the concept and application of hospital triage

Introduction: Given the importance of the subject and the knowledge gap, we decided to perform this survey.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the knowledge levels of patients’ companions about the concept and application of hospital triage were evaluated in 202 subjects. The research population included patient companions referred to the emergency department (ED). The exclusion criterion was the failure to complete the questionnaire. Convenience sampling was done. Questionnaires were delivered to the companions of the patients. In this study, the data gathering tool was a questionnaire consisting of two parts. The final questionnaire included 13 questions, 10 and 3 of which were closed (multiple choice) and open questions, respectively. Finally, the age, level of education, and gender were also asked from participants. The level of patient triage was also determined in this research.

Results: 202 questionnaires were completed by companions of patients admitted to the ED. The mean age of those who completed the questionnaire was 39.95±17.92 years, and 192 individuals expressed their gender, of which 123 (64.1%) and 69 (35.9%) persons were male and female, respectively. The level of education was also reported in 180 people. Moreover, diploma and postgraduate diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate or doctoral degrees were observed in 59 (32.77%), 90 (50%), and 31 (17.22%) patients’ companions respectively.

Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that the knowledge about the concept of triage among ordinary people of the society is lower than the desired level.