Abstract
Purpose of the study
The emergency department (ED) is a dynamic healthcare environment managing cases that require immediate medical attention. ED overcrowding is a public health issue across the globe as it can result in adverse patient outcomes and systematic healthcare difficulties. Electronic triage systems (ETS) have been introduced as a potential solution to ED overcrowding in recent years. To enhance the uptake of ETS, it is important to understand what affects the implementation of ETS and its acceptability to users and healthcare professionals.
This systematic review aimed to synthesize the existing evidence pertaining to factors that influence the implementation of ETS, and its acceptability from users and healthcare professionals’ perspectives.
Methods
Joanna Briggs Institute Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare was utilised in this systematic review. Relevant literatures were searched from databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Cochrane library. Title, abstract and full texts were screened, data extraction and quality appraisal used CASP tools were conducted by 2 independent researchers. Given the heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was employed to allow systematic exploration and thematic analysis of findings across studies.
Results
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The existing literature mainly focused on the human and cultural factors influencing the implementation of ETS; they also reported high acceptance rates by triage nurses which is positively associated with perceived ease of use and effectiveness in their clinical decision-making, nurses with more experience and training demonstrated greater acceptance and willingness to utilise ETS. However, there is scarce literature on the organisational and technical factors that may work as facilitators or barriers in its implementation.
Implications for future nursing
Sufficient training and education are needed before implementing ETS; future research needs to explore other factors may impact the implementation and the sustainability of ETS.
The emergency department (ED) is a dynamic healthcare environment managing cases that require immediate medical attention. ED overcrowding is a public health issue across the globe as it can result in adverse patient outcomes and systematic healthcare difficulties. Electronic triage systems (ETS) have been introduced as a potential solution to ED overcrowding in recent years. To enhance the uptake of ETS, it is important to understand what affects the implementation of ETS and its acceptability to users and healthcare professionals.
This systematic review aimed to synthesize the existing evidence pertaining to factors that influence the implementation of ETS, and its acceptability from users and healthcare professionals’ perspectives.
Methods
Joanna Briggs Institute Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare was utilised in this systematic review. Relevant literatures were searched from databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and Cochrane library. Title, abstract and full texts were screened, data extraction and quality appraisal used CASP tools were conducted by 2 independent researchers. Given the heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was employed to allow systematic exploration and thematic analysis of findings across studies.
Results
Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The existing literature mainly focused on the human and cultural factors influencing the implementation of ETS; they also reported high acceptance rates by triage nurses which is positively associated with perceived ease of use and effectiveness in their clinical decision-making, nurses with more experience and training demonstrated greater acceptance and willingness to utilise ETS. However, there is scarce literature on the organisational and technical factors that may work as facilitators or barriers in its implementation.
Implications for future nursing
Sufficient training and education are needed before implementing ETS; future research needs to explore other factors may impact the implementation and the sustainability of ETS.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 26 Mar 2026 |
| Event | The Eighth Pan-Pacific Nursing Conference cum Second Cochrane Hong Kong Symposium - Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, Hong Kong Duration: 24 Mar 2026 → 28 Mar 2026 https://8thpanpacificconf.nur.cuhk.edu.hk/ |
Conference
| Conference | The Eighth Pan-Pacific Nursing Conference cum Second Cochrane Hong Kong Symposium |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Hong Kong |
| City | Shatin |
| Period | 24/03/26 → 28/03/26 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- electronic triage system, emergency, adult, implementation, acceptability
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'The implementation and acceptability of electronic triage systems for adult patients in the emergency department: a systematic review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Cite this
- APA
- Author
- BIBTEX
- Harvard
- Standard
- RIS
- Vancouver