Effectiveness of applying obstetric triage protocol on health care providers' knowledge and performance in emergency unit

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of applying the obstetric triage protocol on health care provider's knowledge and performance in emergency unit at Maternity Hospital. The study design: A quasi-experimental study design was used. Setting: The study was conducted in the Emergency Unit at Maternity Hospital, Ain Shams University. Study Sample: A convenience sample of (70) health care providers (nurses, paramedics and physicians). Data collected for a period of eight months from April to November 2018.Three tools were used for data collection: Tool I: A structured interviewing questionnaire of Health care providers which consisted of three parts, Part I: To assess knowledge's of Health care providers regarding Obstetric triage protocol application. Part II: To assess performances' of Health care providers regarding Obstetric triage protocol application. Part III: To assess responses' of Health care providers regarding Obstetric triage protocol application. Tool II: Adapted Obstetrical triage acuity scale (AOTAS) which adopted from Smithson et al. (2013). Tool III: An observational checklist designed and prepared by the researcher to assess reported performances (recording and procedures) of health care providers "in Emergency unit. The Result: the finding of this study reveal that there are Lack of health care providers' knowledge and performances related to obstetric triage protocol application, lack of a single standardized tool for triage system in emergency unit at Maternity Hospital, incomplete nursing role at emergency unit. And the effectiveness of the obstetric triage protocol application on health care providers ' knowledge, performance and responses' in emergency unit with highly statistical significant difference between pre and posttest educational training sessions. Conclusion: The study proved that the effectiveness of applying obstetric triage protocol on health care providers' knowledge, performance in emergency unit at Maternity Hospital. Also the educational and training sessions had positive impact on health care providers' knowledge, performance (recording and procedures), and responses regarding obstetric triage protocol application in emergency unit. Recommendations: Application a standardized obstetric triage protocol to improve performance of health care providers in emergency unit. Continuous training sessions, and standardization of assessments to improve staff competency. Development of obstetric triage protocols in accordance with the rules and regulations.