The feasibility and utility of the aid to cardiac triage intervention to improve nurses' cardiac triage decisions
published online 23 November 2009.
Background
Despite the benefits of prompt treatment of myocardial infarction, gender disparities exist in emergency department (ED) nurses' cardiac triage decisions.
Objective
To determine the feasibility and utility of the aid to cardiac triage (ACT) intervention designed to improve ED nurses' cardiac triage decisions for women with myocardial infarction.
Methods
A prospective, exploratory design was used. To determine feasibility, we evaluated the 1-hour time allocated for the intervention and ED nurses' participation rates. Twenty-three participants completed a utility questionnaire at the completion of the 1-hour intervention, and 18 participants completed the questionnaire 3 months post-intervention.
Results
The ACT intervention was delivered within 30 to 40minutes, allowing 20minutes for questions and discussion. ED nurses viewed the ACT intervention as a useful, helpful, and practical tool for improving their cardiac triage decisions at both intervention completion and 3 months later.
Conclusion
The evaluation supports the feasibility and utility of the ACT intervention.
University of Michigan, School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Corresponding author: Cynthia Arslanian-Engoren, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FAHA, Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan, School of Nursing, 400 N. Ingalls, Room 2176, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
This study was funded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation.
ABSTRACT