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

Abstract

Background: Pediatric 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.

Objective: This 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.

Method: This 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.

Results: Paired 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.

Conclusion: Free-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 practice: Pediatric pain management education should be revisited annually to re-educate nurses on the importance of early interventions.