Effect of Problem-based Learning on Agreement of Severity Classification Results of Triage Nurses in the Emergency Department
Abstract BackgroundProblem-based learning is a learner-led learning method that helps improve critical thinking, problem solving skills, and knowledge. It is necessary to confirm whether it can help to agree the severity classification results among nurses through problem-based learning.MethodsThis study had a single-group time series design to investigate the effect of problem-based learning led by triage nurses on the agreement of Korean Triage and Acuity Scale classification results for patients who visited the emergency department. We extracted 300 patients each in May and August 2018 before problem-based learning began and 300 patients each in May and August 2019 after problem-based learning. ResultsAfter problem-based learning, the length of emergency department stay decreased about 30 minutes, although the decrease was not statistically significant (p=.172). However, self-efficacy for the classification of emergency patients in triage nurses and weighted kappa coefficients were improved (p<.001).ConclusionIn this study, problem-based learning led by triage nurses improved the inter-rater agreement of Korean Triage and Acuity Scale classification results and self-efficacy of triage nurses. Therefore, problem-based learning led by triage nurses can contribute to patient safety in the emergency department by enhancing the expertise of triage nurses and increasing the accuracy of triage classification.