Triage-clinical reasoning on emergency nursing competency: a multiple linear mediation effect

Area of Science:

• Emergency Nursing
• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Reasoning

Background:

• Triage is a critical first step in emergency nursing, impacting patient care and diagnostics.
• Emergency nurses face limitations in triage, affecting their overall competency.
• This study investigates factors influencing emergency nursing competency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the mediating effects of perceived triage competency and clinical reasoning skills.
• To examine the association between Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) proficiency and emergency nursing competency.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey of 157 emergency nurses in South Korea (May-July 2022).
• Data collected via self-administered questionnaires on KTAS proficiency, perceived triage competency, clinical reasoning, and nursing competency.
• Analysis using PROCESS macro (Model 6).

Main Results:

• Perceived triage competency significantly mediated the relationship between KTAS proficiency and emergency nursing competency.
• Both perceived triage competency and clinical reasoning skills were significant predictors of emergency nursing competency.
• The model demonstrated a good fit (R² = 0.150).

Conclusions:

• Improving emergency nursing competency necessitates enhancing triage proficiency and perceived triage competency.
• Developing clinical reasoning skills, starting with triage, is crucial for emergency nurses.
• These findings offer insights for targeted training and professional development in emergency nursing.