Current status of emergency department triage in mainland China: A narrative review of the literature

In this review, the current status of emergency department triage in mainland China is explored, with the purpose of generating a deeper understanding of the topic. Literature was identified through electronic databases, and was included for review if published between 2002 and 2012, included significant discussion of daily emergency department triage in mainland China, was peer reviewed, and published in English or Chinese. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes which emerged from the reviewed literature. This resulted in 21 articles included for review. Four themes emerged from the review: triage process, triage training, qualification of triage nurses, and quality of triage. The review demonstrates that there is currently not a unified approach to emergency department triage in mainland China. Additionally, there are limitations in triage training for nurses and confusion around the role of triage nurses. This review highlights that emergency department triage in mainland China is still in its infancy and that more research is needed to further develop the role of triage.