Computerized algorithm-directed triage in the emergency department

A retrospective audit was conducted evaluating the effectiveness of the computerized algorithm-directed triage at Brooke Army Medical Center. A total of 98,086 charts were reviewed. From this, 58,282 patients were given dispositions to our acute care clinic and the remainder to the emergency department. Of these, 733 patients (1.2%) were retriaged from the acute care clinic to the ED. Based on these data, we conclude that the computerized algorithm-directed triage, using minimally trained personnel, appears to be an effective system.