Utilization of Pediatric Standing Orders by Triage Nurses in a Free-Standing Emergency Department

Abstract

BackgroundPediatric pain-related complaints continue to be a common presenting factor of most emergency departments (EDs). Studies have shown that several barriers in assessing and treating pediatric pain exist, including nursing knowledge regarding appropriate pain level assessment.ObjectiveThis quality improvement study aimed to provide and evaluate specific education regarding pediatric pain management for free-standing ED triage nurses to expedite medication administration during the triage phase of an ED visit.MethodThis pre/post-test intervention study was used to measure whether the education provided to nurses working in a primarily adult patient free-standing ED increased the utilization of triage standing orders related to pediatric pain management.ResultsPaired sample t-tests results indicated a statistically significant increase (p = .000) in the percentage of patients that received pain medication during the triage phase of an ED visit after specific education was provided to triage nurses.ConclusionFree-standing ED triage nurses are more likely to follow and implement triage standing orders if education explicitly related to pain management in pediatric patients has been provided.Implications for PracticePediatric pain management education should be revisited annually to re-educate nurses on the importance of early interventions.