Open AccessThe Copenhagen Triage Algorithm is non-inferior to a traditional triage algorithm: A cluster-randomized study
Author(s) -
Rasmus Bo Hasselbalch,
Mia Pries-Heje,
Martin Schultz,
Louis Lind Plesner,
Lisbet Ravn,
Morten Lind,
Rasmus Greibe,
Birgitte Nybo Jensen,
Thomas Høi-Hansen,
Nicholas Carlson,
Christian TorpPedersen,
Lars S. Rasmussen,
Kasper Iversen
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0211769
Subject(s) - triage , medicine , algorithm , randomized controlled trial , receiver operating characteristic , emergency medicine , crossover study , pathology , computer science , alternative medicine , placebo
Triage systems with limited room for clinical judgment are used by emergency departments (EDs) worldwide. The Copenhagen Triage Algorithm (CTA) is a simplified triage system with a clinical assessment. Methods The trial was a non-inferiority, two-center cluster-randomized crossover study where CTA was compared to a local adaptation of Adaptive Process Triage (ADAPT). CTA involves initial categorization based on vital signs with a final modification based on clinical assessment by an ED nurse. We used 30-day mortality with a non-inferiority margin at 0.5%. Predictive performance was compared using Receiver Operator Characteristics. Results We included 45,347 patient visits, 23,158 (51%) and 22,189 (49%) were triaged with CTA and ADAPT respectively with a 30-day mortality of 3.42% and 3.43% (P = 0.996) a difference of 0.01% (95% CI: -0.34 to 0.33), which met the non-inferiority criteria. Mortality at 48 hours was 0.62% vs. 0.71%, (P = 0.26) and 6.38% vs. 6.61%, (P = 0.32) at 90 days for CTA and ADAPT. CTA triaged at significantly lower urgency level (P<0.001) and was superior in predicting 30-day mortality, Area under the curve: 0.67 (95% CI 0.65–0.69) compared to 0.64 for ADAPT (95% CI 0.62–0.66) (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in rate of admission to the intensive care unit, length of stay, waiting time nor rate of readmission within 30 or 90 days. Conclusion A novel triage system based on vital signs and a clinical assessment by an ED nurse was non-inferior to a traditional triage algorithm by short term mortality, and superior in predicting 30-day mortality. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02698319