Development and validity of the Korean Psychiatric Triage Algorithm
Abstract Background Psychiatric triage algorithm can improve the quality of care by providing a systematic method for classifying the severity of patients experiencing psychiatric crisis in the emergency room and by determining the optimal time frame for intervention. The aim of the present study was to test the professional validity and clinical validity of a psychiatric triage algorithm developed for use in South Korea.Methods The initial algorithm was developed through systematic literature review. Its validity was then verified by 10 experts. Based on results of expert validity, the algorithm was modified and the final algorithm was developed.Results Its clinical validity was then verified by 30 emergency room nurses who had used triage. Four questions of expert validity results with a CVI of 0.8 or less were revised to reflect expert opinion. The clinical validity of the final modified algorithm was 2.9 ~ 3.47.Conclusion The use of highly validity psychiatric triage algorithm by ER (Emergency Room) nurses not only can improve the quality of care, but also can improve patient outcomes and experience.