Barriers Affecting the Quality of Triage at A State Hospital Emergency Department Khomas Region Namibia

Background: The quality of triage is the key to successful performance in emergency departments as it increases the quality of patients’ care services, reduces the waiting time and patients’ length of stay, lessen mortality and ultimately lower treatment costs. Aim of the study: The objectives of this study where to explore the barriers affecting the quality of triage at a state hospital emergency department khomas region Namibia. Subjects and methods: Research design: The study used a qualitative research design. Setting: A population of 10 nurses that work in the emergency department were identified Subject: purposive sampling was undertaken to come up with a sample size determined by data saturation of 10 respondents. Tool of data collection: A face to face interview guide was used. Results: revealed that lack of space, insufficient equipment and medical supplies disrupted the quality of triaging as it resulted in overcrowding in the emergency department and lack of privacy. Conclusion: The study concluded that triage nurses are affected by factors like lack of clinical knowledge on how to use triage tools and equipment, how to identify critical cases, work overload, lack of space and insufficient equipment and medical supplies disrupted the quality of triaging as it resulted in overcrowding in the emergency department and lack of privacy prompting some patients not opening up and cooperating with the nurses. Recommendations: The study recommended that a quantitative study be conducted, and that the quality of triaging can be improved by hiring more nurses to ease the work overload and to address the issue of burnout and stress.