CompletedNot Applicable

A Nursing Triage Protocol for Minor Orthopedic Traumata: the Effect on Flow Time, Quality of Care and Patient Satisfaction in an Emergency Department

Belgium220 participantsStarted 2023-03-06

Plain-language summary

In 2019, nearly half of all hospital contacts in Belgium took place through the emergency department, and more than a third of patients arrived after an accident or trauma. In instances of overcrowding, patients with minor orthopedic injuries face prolonged waiting times. Previous studies have shown that implementing triage protocols for medical imaging conducted by a triage nurse can reduce the Total Length of Stay (TLOS) for this patient group. This is a single-center, unblinded, randomized, controlled trial that aims to evaluate the impact of a nurse triage protocol on turnaround time (primary outcome), quality of care, and patient satisfaction. The study population consists of adults who present with minor orthopedic injuries below the elbow or knee and have an Emergency Severity Index (ESI) of 4 or 5. Participants are randomly assigned to either the 'nurse triage protocol' group (n=110) or the 'usual care' group (n=110).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (18 years old) * ESI 4 or ESI 5 Recent trauma (\< 10 days after trauma) * Accidental trauma mechanism * Trauma below the elbow (forearm, wrist, hand, finger) * Trauma below the knee (lower leg, ankle, foot, toe) Exclusion Criteria: * ESI 1 or ESI 2 or ESI 3 * Return visit after previous emergency department contact for the same injury (e.g. increased pain, tight cast, ...) * Trauma resulting from underlying somatic pathology (e.g. syncope, epileptic attack, vertigo, vasovagal collapse, ...) * Atraumatic (pain) complaints (e.g. pain in the calf, toe, foot, wrist, ... without a clear trauma mechanism) * Additional, non-orthopedic injuries (e.g. laceration, signs of cerebral commotion, ...) * Pregnancy or a suspicion of pregnancy

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

TLOS

Timeframe: 6-8 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05765045

SponsorUniversiteit Antwerpen

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-04-23

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Trauma Injury trials