Factors Associated With Triage Clinical Decision-Making Among Emergency Nurses: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

Background: Clinical decision-making is crucial in emergency nurse triage. However, the concept of clinical decision-making among emergency nurses who perform triage has not been clearly defined.

Purpose: This study aims to define clinical decision-making in emergency nurse triage using Rodgers's evolutionary concept analysis.

Methods: A scoping review of CINAHL, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted, including studies published between 2012 and 2025. Eligible studies involved emergency or triage nurses and focused on triage decision-making.

Results: Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Antecedents of clinical decision-making included nurse characteristics, patient characteristics, and environment and organizational cultures. Attributes encompassed critical thinking, intuition, clinical reasoning, and decision support systems. Consequences focused on triage accuracy, timely interventions, improved patient outcomes, fewer complications, and resource optimization.

Conclusions: Triage decision-making is complex and influenced by multiple factors. The findings highlight the need for standardized protocols and support systems to enhance emergency triage consistency, accuracy, and efficiency.