A quasi experimental study to assess the effectiveness of self-instructional module on knowledge regarding triage system among staff nurses at selected hospital

Emergency care is typically sought for serious acute medical conditions. Longer waiting times in the emergency department not only contribute to patients’ dissatisfaction with the care received, but may also result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. The objectives of the study are :- 1. To assess the level of pre-test knowledge regarding triage system among staff nurses. 2. To evaluate the effectiveness of self instructional module regarding triage system among staff nurses. 3. To determine the association between pre-test knowledge and demographic variables Materials and Methods: An evaluative approach with one group pre-test post-test design was used, 500 samples were drawn through convenient sampling. Pre-test was conducted to determine staff nurses knowledge regarding triage system using a structured knowledge questionnaire, SIM (self instruction module) given for further reference and learning. Results: the study shows that staff nurses have a lack in knowledge regarding triage system. Mean pre-test knowledge score was 13.53 and there was a marked gain in knowledge, almost double 27.20 after introduction of SIM. There is a significant difference between knowledge scores, statistically significant at P≤ 0.05 [t (59) = 1.671]. Area wise analysis shows that mean percentage of actual gain is more (56.25) in meaning of triage, triage system and triage nurse and less (18.60) in triage techniques. Conclusion: staff nurses mean post-knowledge scores were higher than the pre-test at p<0.005. The findings indicate that the SIM program was significantly effective in improving the knowledge of staff nurses regarding triage system. Keywords: Triage; Staff nurses; knowledge