Triage nurse perceptions of the use, reliability and acceptability of the Toowoomba Adult Triage Trauma Tool (TATTT).

OBJECTIVE: The 'Toowoomba Adult Triage Trauma Tool' (TATTT) is a computerised clinical decision support tool developed to provide an evidence-based, valid and consistent method of triage assessment and categorisation. The objective of this study was to determine the most appropriate training and testing strategy for implementing the TATTT and to evaluate its acceptability for assisting in the triage prioritization process.

METHODS: Triage nurses (15) from two hospitals underwent training in the TATTT and were tested on its application. Semi-structured interviews gathered their perceptions of the training, the methods for testing and the acceptability of the TATTT for assisting in triage.

RESULTS: The TATTT was viewed positively by all but one of the nurses. Participants believed that it provided clear direction in the triage assessment process, increased their confidence in reaching a decision and would be comfortable in adopting the TATTT in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS: The study has shown that the TATTT is acceptable to users and is viewed as a viable alternative to current triage practice.