J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2020 Jun;31(3):323-329.

Appropriateness of triage by emergency medical technician using the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale

• Lee WS
• Lee SH
• Jang TC
• Kim GM
• Seo YW
• Ko SH

Abstract

Objective
Appropriate triage in emergency rooms is fundamental. This study assessed the appropriateness of the triage results using the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) by emergency medical technicians (EMT) by comparing an emergency physician and a KTAS instructor.
Methods
The medical records of patients who presented to a local emergency room for a month were analyzed retrospectively. This study compared the triage results using KTAS among EMTs, an emergency physician, and a KTAS instructor.
Results
Among 2,248 patients, consistent KTAS codes of 1,453 patients (64.6%) were obtained between the EMTs and emergency physicians. In addition, a KTAS instructor had agreed with the results of EMT for 1,686 patients (75%). The Kappa value to evaluate the agreement between an emergency physician and a KTAS instructor was 0.72 (95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.89).
Conclusion
The results of triage using KTAS by EMT was appropriate because substantial agreement existed between an emergency physician and KTAS instructor. On the other hand, there were some inappropriate results of triage, and it is proposed that the results would be reflected in KTAS provider education programs aimed at EMTs. It is expected that qualified KTAS providers will be produced, and the quality of triage can be controlled and improved.

Keyword

Triage; Korean Triage and Acuity Scale; Emergency medical technicians; Appropriateness