Development of System for Classification Patients of Outpatient department at Health Promotion Hospital Regional Health Promotion Center 2.

Abstract

     This action research aimed to develop a patient triage system and study its effectiveness in the outpatient department at the Health Promotion Hospital, Regional Health Center 2, Phitsanulok, from May to October 2024. The study employed Deming's continuous quality improvement framework. The target groups were outpatient department personnel and 240 patient medical records from July to September 2024. Research instruments included the MOPH ED TRIAGE system from the Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, semi-structured interviews, content validity-verified triage quality assessment forms, and satisfaction questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical software for descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.
     Results from the patient classification using the new measures during the implementation period from July to September 2024, the results showed correct triage rates of 92.50%, 96.25%, and 97.50% respectively. Incorrect triage rates were 7.50%, 3.75%, and 2.50% respectively. Under-triage rates were 5.00%, 1.25%, and 0.50% respectively, while over-triage rates were 2.75%, 2.50%, and 2.00% respectively. Patients received treatment according to their severity level at rates of 89.50%, 92.72%, and 98.30% respectively, while those who did not receive treatment according to their severity level were 10.50% 7.28%, and 1.70% respectively. Staff satisfaction evaluation showed the highest level of satisfaction.